Thank you for keeping CEOC in your hearts and minds through the holidays. We wish you all the best and look forward to a brighter, more peaceful 2026!



Tina Alu

Executive Director

Cambridge responds to the government shutdown SNAP pause

When crisis hits, Cambridge steps up. In November, SNAP benefits failed to go out for the first time in the program's history, and the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Community Foundation, and partners across the City mobilized to respond. We purchased thousands of grocery gift cards, rapidly filled the food pantry shelves, and met with dozens of stakeholders to make sure SNAP beneficiaries could still put food on the table. We were moved by our City's ability to meet this moment. You can read more about the efforts and our gratitude in this op-ed that we published.

Take our Community Needs Assessment Survey!

Every three years, CEOC asks the community to tell us your most pressing needs so we can connect community members to resources and develop new programs. If you live or work in Cambridge, please click here to take our survey.

Your responses will help us better assess the needs of the community and work to meet them.

Anna Minaya Honored with Latino Excellence Award!

This fall, one of CEOC’s Community Advocate and Educators, Anna Minaya (left), was selected as a distinguished Latina leader by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. Senator Sal DiDomenico (right) nominated Anna for the award, noting that she has helped thousands of neighbors secure stability and opportunity through her tireless advocacy and compassionate care.



“Anna's work represents the very best of community-centered service,” Senator DiDomenico wrote. “She meets people where they are, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that every resident feels seen and supported.”

Congratulations to Anna on this well-deserved honor! Please click to read the full story.

CEOC Receives Chamber of Commerce Visionary Award

We would like to thank the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce for honoring CEOC with a Visionary Award at the Hyatt Regency Boston last month! Given in recognition of innovation and excellence, the award also reflected CEOC's impact over six decades:

“CEOC has provided high-quality, dedicated and respectful anti-poverty work in Cambridge for 60 years. Throughout those years, CEOC has responded to the emerging needs of Cambridge. CEOC continues to provide culturally responsive programming and bold, grassroots-driven models that challenge the status quo.”

Please click to read more about this year’s awardees and watch our feature video!

Visit from Congresswoman Katherine Clark

CEOC was delighted to welcome U.S. House of Representatives Minority Whip Katherine Clark for an office visit this past October.

Clark was joined by longtime CEOC friends and advocates State Rep. Marjorie Decker, State Rep. Steve Owens, Mayor Denise Simmons, City Councilor Marc McGovern, City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, and City Councilor Patty Nolan. The group spoke with our Cambridge Food Pantry Neighbor Advisory Council and heard firsthand about how the government shutdown and SNAP cuts were affecting the community.

Thank you to Congresswoman Clark and our local representatives for taking the time to talk with the staff and participants on the front lines of our city's anti-poverty efforts.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

All of us at CEOC are so honored by your tremendous generosity during this difficult year. We are meeting the moment, proving we are stronger together, and ensuring no one is going hungry in our city.

Every contribution makes a difference, and we are so close to reaching our anniversary-year goals of 600 donors and $60,000! Please consider making a contribution today. Thank you all!