Northampton Survival Center partners with Uya Poke Bowl and La Veracruzana
The Northampton Survival Center is partnering with local restaurants to provide over 2,800 meals to the Center’s clients through the Food Insecurity Grant Program for Independent Restaurants, an exciting pilot program funded by the state of Massachusetts and co-administered by the Franklin County Community Development Corporation. The program grants the Northampton Survival Center $34,615.38 to pay two local independent restaurants—Uya Poke Bowl and La Veracruzana—to make healthy complete meals for their clients, with all funds going directly to the restaurants. Throughout March and into April, will each restaurant will provide chicken and vegetarian versions of their classic poke bowls and burrito bowls for distribution at the Center.
“On the first evening of distributing the restaurant meals, I had the opportunity to offer burrito and poke bowls to a handful of busy moms picking up their groceries after 5 p.m.,” said Alexander Léger-Small, Assistant Program Director at the Northampton Survival Center. “The response when I said, ‘You don’t need to cook tonight’ was overwhelming—you could feel the appreciation and relief. For a food pantry like ours that is ingredient focused (rather than serving hot food) these prepared meals add so much value to our clients’ experiences at the Center.”
As an active participant in the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, the Northampton Survival Center is grateful for the robust partnership of the local business community in its food security efforts.
“This collaboration showcases the benefit to small, local businesses and the impact of non-profit partnerships when the state provides resources needed for great causes, like free food assistance, for many of our friends and neighbors,” said Vince Jackson, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. “Collaborations like this also support jobs across sectors and help drive a thriving economy and community.”