PNH's Mission Continues: Combating Food Insecurity

by Jennifer Cesaitis

Project New Hope, Inc. (PNH) has begun expanding food access for Veterans, Military personnel, and their Families. Along with Sully’s Food and Baby Pantry in Worcester and Westfield, PNH has helped the Leeds VA receive food from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to help give Veterans better access to food. PNH also hosts its Mobile Farmer’s Market at the Worcester Belmont Clinic twice a month and at the Leeds VA pantry.

Food insecurity remains a critical issue for U.S. Veterans, affecting their overall health and well-being. As of 2024, the average American household spends approximately $270 weekly on groceries, which translates to just over $1,000 monthly. For larger families, the expenses are higher.  This cost is considered significant and even a major financial burden, especially for lower-income families who are living paycheck to paycheck. Even with proper budgeting and lower-cost options, rising food prices due to inflation often stretch the budgets of our Veterans very thin.

Recent reports show that 1 in 9 working-age Veterans struggle with food insecurity, and Veterans are 7.4% more likely to experience hunger compared to non-veterans (Feeding America) (RAND Policy Analysis). Disparities are even more pronounced among certain groups, including Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan (27%) and women Veterans (28%) (DAV). Alarmingly, nearly 60% of eligible Veterans do not receive benefits from programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)(DAV). In Central and Western Massachusetts, PNH plays a crucial role in addressing these gaps by providing essential food access and support to Veterans, Military, and their Families.

Partnership with the Leeds VA: Expanding Food Access

Since June 2022, the Leeds VA food pantry has served as a vital resource for local Veterans, providing food to approximately 60-80 Veterans each week. Recognizing the increasing demand, PNH partnered with Leeds, VA, and secured food from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in August 2023, significantly improving the pantry’s ability to offer diverse food options. Christopher Frappier from the Leeds VA states, "The sponsorship allows us to serve more Veterans with more food and food options." This partnership ensures that the pantry can continue to meet the rising needs of Veterans, particularly as economic conditions force more Veterans to seek help.

Food insecurity often leads to poorer health outcomes, especially for Veterans managing chronic conditions like diabetes or depression (RAND) (DAV). By offering fresh, nutritious food, the Leeds VA pantry addresses hunger and contributes to better health and quality of life for Veterans. Christopher reminded us of a quote attributed to Hippocrates, considered the “Father of Medicine.” “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” profoundly encapsulates the mission of the VA and PNH in these endeavors. Frappier explains how providing access to proper nutrition “empowers Veterans to take control of their lives and their whole health by following recommendations from doctors and including healthier food options at little to no cost.”

Mobile Farmer’s Market: Bringing Fresh Produce to Veterans

In addition to its food pantry services, Project New Hope introduced a Mobile Farmer’s Market, which brings fresh produce directly to Veterans. Held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month at the Worcester Belmont Clinic, located at 403 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA, the market provides healthy food options that are otherwise inaccessible to many Veterans.

The Mobile Farmer’s Market serves not only as a source of nutritious food but also as a gathering point where Veterans can connect with their peers and with community resources. This social aspect is vital, especially as many Veterans face isolation and loneliness—factors that contribute to higher suicide rates. By providing sustenance and a sense of community, Project New Hope helps Veterans combat these challenges and live healthier, more connected lives. Frappier states that when PNH brings their market to Leeds “Veterans coming in for appointments as well as those picking up food, can connect with a robust community and resources outside of the VA.” This helps combat the isolation and loneliness that followed Covid-19 restrictions. Veterans learn about PNH’s retreats, Connecting the Dots services, and the various holistic health programs for Veterans in their communities. This secondary benefit supports the mission of both the VA and PNH.

Continuous Support Needed: How You Can Help

By donating to Project New Hope, individuals, and organizations can help expand critical services like Sully’s Veterans Food and Baby Pantries and the Mobile Farmer’s Market. This support allows PNH to offer food assistance and holistic resources like retreats, mental health services, and family support programs that improve Veterans' overall quality of life.

To donate or learn more about how you can support Project New Hope, Inc., visit http://www.projectnewhopema.org.