Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation announces $25,000 in emergency relief funding for food access

Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation will award $25,000 in emergency funding to address hardships created by recent cuts to social service programs supporting food access and assistance. 

The money will be distributed to Dukes County, for distribution to local residents with whom it works on an ongoing basis; Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club, for use in its meals and food pantry available to children participating in its programs; Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living, for meals prepared for and served to seniors with dementia; and Island Grown Initiative, for its work and other organizations doing frontline, community-focused actions to help local residents access food, necessary prescription drugs, and fuel assistance.

Approximately 1,000 year-round residents have been affected by SNAP cuts that began on Nov. 1. Though the state has ordered that benefits are to be reinstated, the impact of the weeklong loss will continue to be felt and Islanders in need will continue to experience food inequity. The emergency funds are being given now to make an immediate impact on Islanders in need. They are made in addition to the foundation’s annual grant process to nonprofit organizations serving Martha’s Vineyard. 

Executive Director Paul Schulz commented, “Food security and food access are among the most persistent challenges that Islanders face, particularly in the off-season. One of the things that makes the Island so special is how people take care of each other. The community has stepped up in so many ways to fill the gap caused by the government shutdown and cutbacks. We, your community foundation, want to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.” 

The Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on Martha’s Vineyard by inspiring and nurturing a culture of giving, collaboration, and engagement. Through its various scholarships, grants, and initiatives, the Community Foundation recognizes and supports outstanding contributions that make the Vineyard community stronger and more vibrant.