The Greater Boston Food Bank has teamed up with the Methuen YMCA to provide food bags to families in need each month through the Y’s Mobile Food Market. This drive-up event is open to anyone and there is no pre-registration needed to pick up food.
The Mobile Food Market is usually held on the fourth Saturday of each month and opens at 9am. Due to the Christmas holiday, this month’s market is set for Dec. 20.
Cathy Redard from the YMCA has spearheaded this project for the past six years.
“This is important work for our community. Food is a basic need and we have clients who rely on this donation,” she said. “Some have said that if it wasn’t for us, they would have trouble keeping their lights on in their homes and would not be able to pick up their medication. Having assistance with donated food bags helps them pay for other basic needs. This program helps them function and thrive.”
Volunteers are key to the drive.
“The Y relies of volunteers to unload, package and disseminate the food. The Greater Boston Food Bank’s tractor-trailer arrives at the Methuen Y at 7am. We unload eight to 10 pallets of food, which is about 15,000 pounds of food. The entire event take place outside at the Y in the parking lot,” she continued. “In September, we distributed apples, red potatoes, onions, carrots, limes, ground beef, eggs, milk, pasta, peanut butter, fish chowder and more. Each family gets three bags of food. For seniors, we offer ‘senior boxes’ for those that meet income eligibility. This gives them an additional, supplemental box.”
This project has become about more than just nutrition.
“We develop relationships and trust with the families that stop by,” Redard said. “It’s so important, almost as important as the food we share. A lot of people do not have people they can count on and trust. They see we are here every month.”
The Y collects demographic information for the Greater Boston Food Bank including which community the recipients live in and whether there are children or seniors living in the home.
The Methuen Y serves approximately 350 families per month; last year, the Y provided food to a total of 5,494 people.
You may be surprised how much this volunteer opportunity touches your heart.
“Our volunteers are wonderful. It’s meaningful for them, too,” Redard said. “One of our teen volunteers has been with us for two years. This summer he left his family’s beach vacation to be here and help. He told his parents ‘I have to go. I have a responsibility.’ … Our volunteers realize this means so much to our community.”
The Methuen Y is located at 129 Haverhill St.
