These are just a few of the video projects I worked on in partnership with local producers, volunteers, videographers, camera people, writers, and editors across greater Boston, as well as national partners like Feeding America. Each is particularly meaningful and memorable as I got the privilege of meeting so many extraordinary individuals who, in spite of their personal struggles, opened their doors and hearts to us in order to capture their lives on film. At times humbling and sobering, and in all cases inspiring, the stories they shared compelled so many others to be more compassionate, generous and empathetic towards the cause to end hunger in Massachusetts.
After a routine surgery, Marla from Dorchester, found herself unable to physically keep up with her job as a psychiatric nurse. Suddenly an unemployed single mother, Marla struggled to provide for her four children. After she lost her job, a friend introduced her to the American Red Cross Food Pantry in Dorchester. Marla said at first, she was apprehensive about going to a food pantry, something she had never done before. “In my head I thought, ‘oh my, what if someone from my church sees me. I was almost embarrassed,” Marla said. But with her friend’s help, Marla decided to go to the Red Cross Food Pantry and said it was one of the best decisions she ever made.
Every month, Staci and her two daughters get healthy food and fresh produce from the school-based pantry at the Connery School in Lynn. A certified nursing assistant, Staci put herself through school while working, but she used to worry about providing her girls with the nutrition they need. "Prices go up, but the pay stays the same," she says. "No matter how hard you work, you can't get ahead... I honestly don't know what I'd do without the food pantry." The school-based pantry in Lynn provides nutritious food for 400 families (600 students). It's a critical lifeline for Staci and others in that community.
Every day, The Greater Boston Food Bank is able to provide food through local food pantries, like Open Door Gloucester, to people in need, just like Dan. Dan worked for several years at a prominent restaurant in Boston. His life changed however after he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. A plethora of surgeries and treatment saved his life, but left him unable to work and provide for his family. Dan is grateful to his local food pantry for feeding his family as he recovered from cancer.
Many vulnerable seniors in Massachusetts like Rob who are living on a fixed income oftentimes don’t know where their next meal is coming from. With high electric and heating bills, prescriptions, doctors' appointments and transportation consuming so much of the senior population’s Social Security benefits, they rely heavily on programs like GBFB's Brown Bag to help them get through the month. Thanks to the commitment of countless volunteers and food partners, they can count on these groceries full of nutritious ingredients to keep them healthy and fed on a regular basis.
Marc went back to school after losing his job of 40 years working in a textile factory. Taylor balances a part-time job while studying for a medical degree. Shiv, a Nepalese immigrant, works two jobs while going to school full-time. All three are among the thousands of Massachusetts college students who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. In 2018, nearly half of Massachusetts’ community college students cannot afford consistent access to food and housing; nearly a third of students in the state colleges and universities say the same. GBFB delivers high-quality, perishable food directly to partner sites in a farmer’s market style. These free Mobile Markets serve low income populations including veterans, community health center patients, community college students and WIC program participants.
Through School-Based Pantries, GBFB offers a unique opportunity to reach children and families in need like Amara and Jannet with fresh, healthy food at convenient and safe school locations. The “farmers market” style events, staffed by teachers and other volunteers, serves thousands of schoolchildren and their families, helping to ensure they have the high-nutrient foods needed to stay active and healthy. School-Based Pantries are scheduled to coincide with all-school events, providing convenience for participating families. Each month, participants fill a 45-pound grocery bag, choosing from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables; high-protein items such as chicken, fish and tofu; and staples such as rice, pasta, yogurt, milk and cheese.
