The Sun News: MVFB launches ‘Feed & Nourish’ capital campaign
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$7.8 million goal to fight hunger in Merrimack Valley
LOWELL — The Merrimack Valley Food Bank was started by Jimmy Good and a bunch of his friends out of the back of a U-Haul truck in 1991. Over the years, the program has grown to meet the needs of the community, eventually moving into a new warehouse on Middlesex Street in early 2024.
On Thursday, Executive Director Debbie Callery announced the launch of the nonprofit’s $7.8 million “Feed & Nourish” public capital campaign to continue its fight against hunger.
“At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful belief that no one should go hungry,” she said in a room packed with supporters. “Every bag of food we distribute is more than a meal; it’s a message that says ‘you matter, and you are not alone.’”
Almost $4 million has already been raised though what Callery called months of “generous early commitments.” The monies will be used to purchase and renovate the new space, which has tripled MVFB’s capacity and storage.
“Demand has grown and with it the need for a larger facility, better equipment, more storage and an efficient system,” Callery said.
The food distribution hub on Middlesex Street in Lowell’s Highlands neighborhood collects, stores and supplies food to community-based emergency feeding programs and pantries that directly provide food to those in need.
Callery was joined at the podium by founder and Board President Good, and board members Sandeep Jain, of Lowell Five Bank, and Vichtcha Kong, of Washington Savings Bank.
In attendance were state Reps. Vanna Howard, Tara Hong and Rodney Elliott; a representative for state Sen. Bruce Tarr; leadership from the Parker Foundation and the Stevens Foundation; Rockland Trust; and others.
The organization’s work is even more critical in the face of growing need at the same time that the Trump Administration cut major federal funding to food programs like the MVFB.
“We lost $250,000 in food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – about 5,000 cases of food over 6 months such as eggs, cheese and yogurt,” Callery said. “These were deliveries that were already scheduled between March and August. Food banks across the country felt that hit.”
The $1 billion in cuts were made in March by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to food assistance programs across both the commonwealth and the nation.
MVFB provides agency support largely through the bulk food it receives from the USDA and the state through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Huge metal racks are labeled with government supplies, as well as private contributions, such as pallets of peanut butter and jelly from the Sterling Corporation, part of its twice yearly donation.
On a tour of the facility after the campaign kickoff, Callery showed off a space organized to get food out the door as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Dozens of Uline bins were labeled with tags such as “Baby formula,” “Pasta” and “Canned goods.” A huge walk-in refrigerator led to an equally large walk-in freezer that was stocked with frozen meat, fish and seafood.
Boxes of prepared dinners made by Lenzi’s Catering & Function Facility, of Dracut, were awaiting pickup and delivery to low-income seniors. Through a grant, the MVFB supports the local business to prepare the meals-to-go twice a month. The microwavable trays were filled with either ham, turkey, chicken, meatloaf or meatballs, as well as potatoes and vegetables.
That program is in addition to providing food to the Greater Lowell pantry list, an extensive food program called Operation Nourish in area schools, as well as pantries in selected schools called Mill Markets.
Callery called the new building a “game-changer,” and also fortuitous, given the growing need in the community.
“The building provides room to grow our programming and offer a promise that no one in our community is forgotten or left behind,” she said.
She encouraged people to consider a one-time gift, a multiyear pledge or to simply spread the word about the nonprofit’s mission.
“Every action matters, every gift counts,” she said. “Together we can build a future, where no child, no senior, no neighbor goes to bed hungry.”
The MVFB offers free tours of its new facility at 1703 Middlesex St. Call 978-454-7272 to arrange a visit. To donate to or inquire about volunteer opportunities at MVFB, visit mvfb.org.
Thank you to Melanie Gilbert from The Sun News.
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