Food Security
With many Islanders forced to pay more than 50 or 60 percent of their income on housing, the demand for food assistance has mushroomed.
The Community Foundation is one of 14 community foundations across Massachusetts awarded a Federal CARES Act Grant to be used for immediate relief and support to individuals and households experiencing severe economic hardship and food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We work with the State and our nonprofit partners to re-grant these funds to community-based organizations with capacity to efficiently provide relief to our community, including the Island Grown Initiative and Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club. We also leverage private donations to the Emergency Response Fund to support other food security groups in our community.
“The need for food support programs is more than twice what it was just a few years ago; the CARES funding was critical to meet this demand. IGI has been able to supply more food, increase the nutritional value of our offerings, and provide prepared meals for those living without adequate kitchen facilities. It’s literally been a life saver for our community.”
Rebecca Haag
Executive Director at Island Grown Initiative
