The Commonwealth of MA United Ways (COMUW) are collaborating to strengthen family economic mobility across Massachusetts through a $1.5 million federal investment focused on addressing food insecurity and connecting families to resources for longer-term support.
The MA United Ways Family Economic Mobility Proposal received $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, with support from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey. The federal award is administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Through this collaborative effort, United Ways across Massachusetts will work within their individual communities to strengthen economic stability for low-income children and families. The investment will help alleviate food insecurity through the purchase and distribution of food and nutritional assistance while connecting families with resources that can provide longer-term support.
“When Massachusetts families are in need, they know that they can turn to their local United Way. That is why I joined with Senator Elizabeth Warren to secure $1.5 million in Senate funding to support United Ways across our Commonwealth in responding directly to the needs in their cities and towns; because no one knows our communities better than those who live, work, and serve within them,” said U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, “From meeting immediate nutritional needs to connecting individuals and families with resources for their long term success, our partners at the United Way are stepping up, and we are proud to step up for them.”
“No parent should have to worry about how they’ll feed their children or where to turn for support. This $1.5 million will help families put food on the table and connect them with resources for a more secure future. I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars
home to Massachusetts and make sure our families have the support they deserve," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.
“Every family deserves to know where their next meal is coming from,” said Governor
Maura Healey. “We know high grocery costs are putting pressure on families, and we’re committed to making sure everyone in Massachusetts has access to the food and support they need. This $1.5 million investment will help 13 local United Ways put food on the table and connect families with resources to get ahead. I’m grateful to Senators Warren and Markey for securing this funding and to our United Way partners for the important work they do every day.”
While united around a common goal, each participating United Way will use its portion of the investment based on the needs of its community and within the federal guidelines. This local approach allows United Ways to build trusted community relationships and work alongside partners already serving children and families.
United Way of Greater New Bedford Local Impact
United Way of Greater New Bedford (UWGNB) will use its portion of the investment to support food access through its Hunger Commission and work with local food assistance partners. The Hunger Commission collects and delivers food to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community programs, helping them keep nutritious food available for the individuals and families they serve.
“Having enough nutritious food is fundamental to a family’s health and ability to move forward,” said Michelle Hantman, President and CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford. “Through our Hunger Commission, Mobile Market, and partnerships with organizations like PACE and many others, we help families source food where they live and turn for support. This investment strengthens that work and connects our local efforts with United Ways across Massachusetts working toward greater economic security for children and families.”
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION
The partnership between UWGNB’s Hunger Commission and PACE Community Food Center demonstrates how local organizations work together to improve food access. The Hunger Commission helps transport food to the center, supporting PACE’s work to provide groceries to community members. Coordinating food collection, transportation, and distribution helps make the most of available resources and keeps food moving to households that need it.
“Families who come to PACE Community Food Center are often balancing the cost of groceries with rent, utilities, and other essential expenses,” said Pam Kuechler, President and CEO, PACE. “Our partnership with United Way’s Hunger Commission helps us keep food available for our community. This investment will strengthen our shared ability to meet families’ immediate needs and connect them with support that can help ease those financial pressures over time.”
Across the Commonwealth, this work reflects the strength of the United Way network: local organizations responding to the distinct needs of their communities while working collectively toward greater family economic mobility.
Local solutions. Statewide collaboration. Stronger families and communities.
United is the Way.
About Commonwealth of MA United Ways
The Commonwealth of MA United Ways (COMUW) brings together United Ways serving communities across Massachusetts. Through collaboration, shared learning and local leadership, participating United Ways connect people and resources to address community needs and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.