COVID RESPONSE
Alleviating hunger in our community has always been a core component of Healthy Waltham’s mission. However, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, fighting food insecurity has been the central focus of our activities.
Layoffs, school closures and illnesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have profoundly impacted the Waltham community. Many families already living close to the poverty line have struggled to put food on their tables. They turn to Healthy Waltham for help.
When the scale and longevity of the pandemic became clear, Healthy Waltham pivoted to respond to the urgent needs of the Waltham community. Our Watch City Market food pantry, which had been held once a month in collaboration with the school department and usually served 400 families, evolved into the Healthy Waltham Food Pantry. During the height of the pandemic, Healthy Waltham distributed food almost weekly and served an average of 900 families per pantry. With food insecurity in our community still high post-pandemic, the Healthy Waltham pantry continues to serve 800+ families twice per month.
Healthy Waltham strives to supply its neighbors with food that is fresh, healthy and culturally sensitive. Each bag of groceries contains assorted dry goods and fresh foods.
We work with many local organizations to provide nutritious food and hygiene supplies at our pantries. We are grateful for these collaborations.
