Food Aid with the New Lynn Coalition
The New Lynn Coalition is a group of North Shore non profit organizations that share a mission to unify the working class and address income inequality. They have programs that range from housing advocacy to night classes and English language courses, and today we will be focusing on the food aid portion of their organization.
Today we have talked to Neil Whittredge, the Food Aid Director of the New Lynn Coalition. “We have a grocery delivery program,” said Neil. “We [give] free and fresh groceries to the most vulnerable or marginalized communities in Lynn. Right now we serve approximately 700 homes throughout the city.” They deliver enough produce to feed a family of 4 for 2 days every 6 weeks and 90% of deliveries are to Latino households. “It might not sound a lot to some people, but it makes a big difference for those who are just waiting for their next check, every bit counts when you are food insufficient.”
The process for the program starts with an anonymous donor who supplies Neil and his team of volunteers with the produce. They then use space at My Brother’s Table to unload the thousands of pounds of food, sort it, and deliver it out. The grocery delivery program started in 2020 with the North Shore Labor Council and the North Shore Juneteenth Association. “It began as a response to the pandemic,” Neil expressed. “[It was] a growing need really, and as the pandemic worsened things got more urgent” They began with about 50 households in the beginning of 2020, mostly elderly people who needed assistance. “We had gone from what was then serving 50 homes … growing to approximately 700.”
The New Lynn Coalition’s long term plans for food aid are to open an evening food pantry available for people who are working or have to be home with their children during the day “Just because someone works doesn’t mean they have everything they need.” Neil reminds us. “We'd love to have something open 5 to 7 or 6 to 8, where people can come once they're done with work because there isn't an evening pantry that exists in the city right now.” But that’s long term. Right now what they need is volunteers! “We always need help, we never have enough. People can come to sort groceries or drive and deliver the food. We also need people to make phone calls to notify people of their deliveries. Our greatest challenge right now is finding space because the space we use for our deliveries is donated by My Brother's Table.” To get in touch with Neil and his team, call their food aid number 781-469-0662, email northshorefoodaid@gmail.com or reach out to us on facebook. You can go to newlynn.org to learn all about the programs they offer and organizations they work with. They graciously accept donations.