Thanks to ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) Boston‘s generous contribution, Eastie Farm joined hands with other community organizations (Piers Park Sailing Center, Mutual Aid Eastie, Donald McKay K-8 School, Zumix) and individual residents to bring fresh produce and dairy to East Boston families.
With the COVID-19 crisis disrupting our food supply chain, shelf food (non-perishables) has been available, but fresh produce has been lacking in what reaches people in need. In addition, families with sick members, or kids to care for, or both, and in some cases, with all members of the household under quarantine, have been unable to leave home in search of food. This has been particularly complicated for those who are linguistically isolated, and for those who have developed an apprehension of authority, and therefore do not go out to food-distribution centers. This is why we (Eastie Farm) work with neighbors and neighborhood organizations and institutions who are trusted by such families.
We distributed 30 boxes of fresh produce and 30 bags of dairy to 30 families in need. In the process, we have uncovered several more families who have fallen through the gaps and have therefore not received much needed food assistance, and we are striving to cover them in the coming days and weeks.
Produce:
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Oranges
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli
- Chili peppers
- Cantaloupe
- Pineapple
- Potatoes
- Apples
Dairy:
- Bread
- Whole Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
Thank you, again, to ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) Boston, Zumix, Mutual Aid Eastie, and Donald McKay for collaborating to make this happen.
Most importantly, thank you, Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director of Piers Park Sailing Center, for loaning his truck and helping with the transportation, and Alex Graora, Eastie Farm’s Americorps service person, for managing the project from beginning to end.
I am just so incredibly pleased at what we can achieve when we come together — 6-feet personal space notwithstanding — even as I am overwhelmed by how much further we have to go given the acuteness of the need that families in the community feel, and given how many still fall through the cracks.
To support Mutual Aid Eastie work in the wake of COVID-19, please Donate to Mutual Aid Eastie Fund
