Lexington-based organization to use $5,000 grant to jumpstart new food backpack initiative for local communities
Communities United, Inc. (CUI), a non-profit organization that provides high-quality education and family services throughout eleven MetroWest cities and towns, announced today it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Mildred’s Dream Foundation (MDF) to support CUI’s new food backpack program.
Due to a significant increase in food insecurities for the children and families CUI serves, the organization has instituted an extensive food backpack program. With this initiative, food will be distributed to local families every other week with an emphasis on providing fresh fruit and vegetables. CUI has established an Amazon Food Pantry wish list so community partners and donors can contribute to this important cause while also partnering with Grace Chapel of Watertown who has been instrumental in assisting CUI in the collection of non-perishables to support the program.
“We are truly honored to receive this grant from the Mildred’s Dream Foundation and help out all of those struggling in this challenging year with COVID-19,” said Terri Natale, Executive Director at Communities United, Inc. “The money will allow us to get the food backpack program off the ground and running almost immediately. Over 85% of the families CUI serves are currently living below the Federal Poverty Level, so we are eager to start this program and begin eliminating the widespread food shortages during such a difficult time.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mildred’s Dream Foundation proudly offered their first grant opportunity to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations who have faced challenges as a result of the virus. MDF’s goal was to distribute emergency funding targeted to provide short-term, immediate relief to organizations such as CUI that align with MDF’s mission. As two major advocates for creating equal access to education, MDF and CUI were a perfect match to collaborate.
To learn more about Communities United, Inc. and support the organization, please click here. For more information about Mildred’s Dream Foundation, please visit their website.
About Communities United, Inc.
Communities United, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose goal is to give preschool children and families an opportunity to experience growth by providing an environment that encourages participation and interaction in a full range of developmentally appropriate activities. While CUI serves children from the full socio-economic spectrum, the organization’s focus is on identifying the most at-risk families and ensuring that their needs are met. CUI actively serves families living in the communities of Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Burlington, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Woburn, MA.
