Weymouth Council for the Hungry

The Weymouth Council for the Hungry is an organization associated with efforts to combat hunger in Weymouth, Massachusetts. It is linked to the Weymouth Food Pantry, a prominent entity in the community dedicated to providing food assistance.

History

The Weymouth Food Pantry was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens who formed the Weymouth Council for the Hungry. This council then established the pantry to serve those in need. Over the years, it has grown significantly, thanks to community support.

Mission

The mission of the associated Weymouth Food Pantry is to end hunger in Weymouth, Massachusetts. The pantry aims to ensure that every family can sit down together for dinner, regardless of financial struggles, and that elders have sufficient food to maintain their health and well-being.

Operations

The Weymouth Food Pantry provides free groceries to approximately 3,610 individuals in Weymouth, serving between 60 and 115 families per service day. It distributes about 350,000 pounds of food annually. Services include pop-up pantries, grocery delivery for the home-bound, and participation in local farmers markets and schools. The pantry also offers basic home gardening skills training.

Impact on Health

The organization is working to combat high rates of diabetes and obesity in the families they serve by steadily increasing the supply of nutrient-dense food choices.

Related Initiatives

Efforts like the Weymouth Council for the Hungry are part of broader initiatives in Massachusetts aimed at eradicating hunger, such as the Make Hunger History Coalition, which seeks to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all residents.