Photo: Jay Willett / WBZ NewsRadio
PEMBROKE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — End Hunger New England from the Outreach Program is putting a bow on 2023 with what's shaping up to be its third busiest meal packaging and delivery season in 50 years.
Regional manager Matthew Martin tells me there are plenty of local high schools, churches, and programs that love to lend a hand- putting together ready-to-go meals that can be sent across New England and beyond. Recent destinations included Maui, Hawaii and Ukraine.
"We pushed hunger down to a 20-year low, then the pandemic brought it up higher than it had been in 400 years, locally. [We] pushed it down to a 24-year low; inflation brought it up. So it's been like a rollercoaster ride," Martin said.
It's an operation akin to an engine, pumping out meals that only need boiling water to prep, but much like an engine, need fuel to go on. In this case, the fuel for EHNE is the generous donations of New Englanders, volunteers who pack in its Pembroke warehouse, and patrons who purchase art and calendars that benefit the mission directly.
"Anytime someone gives $75, we can fill one box and it takes one hour [to package]," Martin said.
These days food pantries have ten different meals to chose from at EHNE, each loaded with nutrients that every human being needs to live.
Before the year is through, EHNE is aiming to hit 50,000,000 people fed.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App