DID YOU KNOW... YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER ON OUR NEW SYSTEM!

We are very excited to share that our new volunteer registration system, Get Connected, is up and operational. Thank you to our volunteers for being patient during the transition from the Volunteer Gopher. Good luck in your retirement, Gopher! You will be missed! 

If you haven’t done so already, volunteers can register on the new system by creating an account here. Once set up, you can sign up for shifts, track your hours and view descriptions of opportunities that might interest you.  

Not yet a Centre Street volunteer? We need you!

In 2022, over 250 volunteers logged a cumulative 8,590 hours, moved 800,000 pounds of food, and helped clients during all kinds of weather, as we served the largest number of households we've ever served in a year. As our organization continues to grow and serve more people, we need even more volunteers. Opportunities range from unloading boxes (if you’re looking for a good workout) to language translation (if you’re multilingual) to bringing bags to client cars curbside (if you like teamwork) to bag packing (great if you want to simultaneously listen to a podcast). The work is fulfilling, the camaraderie is fun, the mission is clear. Volunteering is a great way for students to gain service hours. Consider bringing your family or ask a friend to join you. We are immensely grateful to all who help us continue to serve our neighbors! 

Want to learn more? 

The Pantry’s next volunteer orientation is April 28, from 11:30 am to noon. Each informative session features a presentation where you will learn about CSFP's background, its mission, and best practices for how to interact with clients and each other. The sessions are hosted by current and former board members, with time for questions. We welcome any volunteer who hasn't attended before. Please contact Vikram, CSFP Board Member, if you would like join.

RIDE FOR FOOD - FREE REGISTRATION IN MAY!

The annual Ride For Food is taking place on October 1, with registration opening in May. We are looking to grow Team CSFP this year, so please consider joining this fun event, and recruit a friend too! Last year, our team raised an amazing $43,439 to fight food insecurity, the third highest team total! Those dollars allowed Centre Street to offer overflowing bags of fresh produce, healthy proteins, needed staples and personal care items.



Would you like to be part of the CSFP team? Now is a great time to sign up. During the month of May, Centre Street will cover the usual $75 registration fee. This is a great opportunity to take part in an absolutely fantastic, fun day of raising awareness and funds – and getting some exercise! Please email CSFP Board President/Team Captain Taylor Lies for a promotion code prior to registering. You can also email Taylor with any questions.

EMPTY BOWLS - A WONDERFUL EVENING

The 6th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser hosted by Lasell University was a runaway success! Each attendee received a beautiful, homemade ceramic bowl, in addition to a night full of memories. We’d like to thank Professor Deborah Baldizar and all the Empty Bowls student committee members for their hard work, creativity and support of our mission of serving healthy food to our communities. Also thank you to Mayor Fuller and Lasell University President Eric Turner, as well as many residents of Lasell Village, for attending. Those who attended are already looking forward to next year’s Empty Bowls. And we hope you can join us!

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE STATE HOUSE?

At the end of March, Governor Healey signed a $338 million supplemental budget that includes critical resources to help families across the state. This bill was initiated in reaction to the termination of federal pandemic-related benefits and restrictions. The bill ensures that Massachusetts can continue to offer free school meals to all children through the end of the current 2022-2023 academic year. This is a pivotal step in not only alleviating childhood hunger, but also the stigma associated with food insecurity, which often prevents families from seeking assistance. Governor Healey's bill additionally provides “off ramp” funds equal to 40% of the previous federal benefit for three months for SNAP recipients whose federal benefits were reduced. Centre Street Food Pantry applauds Governor Healey for her efforts on this critical front in fighting food insecurity. At the same time, we recognize that "off ramp" funds are only available through June and access to school meals will be limited in the summer, so we anticipate that there will be families at risk of hunger this summer. In keeping with our mission, and with your help, we will consistently provide healthy food to our neighbors to help offset this compounded reduction.