Delivering over 10,000 pounds of farm-fresh produce to residents, this partnership tackles food insecurity and brings families together.
Access to fresh, healthy food is essential—but not always easy for families in affordable housing communities. That’s why our partnership with Full Belly Foods has been such a meaningful initiative for Connected Communities.
Food insecurity remains a critical issue across the country. In 2023, about 1 in 7 U.S. households (13.5%) experienced food insecurity, meaning they lacked reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. An estimated 47.4 million Americans, including 13.8 million children, lived in these households (Source: USDA, Household Food Security in the United States in 2023). These numbers underscore why partnerships like this are so vital.
Full Belly Foods, formerly Central MA Food Rescue, was founded in 2020 with a simple mission: connect high-quality, local farm food to people in need. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted deep inequities in food access, and Full Belly Foods stepped up to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. Today, they partner with charitable foundations and grassroots donors to provide farm-fresh produce to low-income housing communities, food banks, and local pantries.
Through this partnership, over 10,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables were delivered to residents at Wellington Community in Worcester, MA, and North Village Apartments in Webster, MA. Deliveries began in June 2025 and will continue through October, strategically scheduled toward the middle and end of each month—when many families feel the greatest pressure to make ends meet.
The impact was immediate. Residents lined up with excitement, eager to take home fresh produce for their families. The gratitude and joy were evident, underscoring how vital these services are for families struggling with food insecurity.
“Partnerships like this are so important because they directly address the gaps in food access that families face,” says Melissa Madera, Team Lead, Region 2. “Being able to provide fresh, healthy options not only supports families’ nutrition but also strengthens the sense of community and care within our sites.”
Through collaboration and innovative programs, Connected Communities and partners like Full Belly Foods are helping ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive.
Learn more: www.fullbellyfoods.com
