This year, the South Shore YMCA continued its annual Holiday Assistance Program tradition by partnering with Chef Paul Wahlberg and his Alma Cares non-profit organization to package and distribute over 1700 donated Thanksgiving meals to help local seniors, individuals, and families facing food insecurity.
Ingredients for a healthy Thanksgiving meal, including a full turkey, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, and all the fixings, were assembled and boxed by South Shore YMCA staff and volunteers, with food provided through Wahlberg’s Alma Cares organization. Named after Wahlberg’s mother, Alma, the non-profit organization is dedicated to feeding as many families as possible during the holiday season.
Meals were distributed throughout the South Shore community, through the South Shore YMCA Germantown Neighborhood Center Food Pantry, and other partnering charities.
The South Shore YMCA Food Pantry in Quincy has seen nearly quadruple its weekly usage since the pandemic began, and the need continues to remain steady with lines that extend down the street each week. Support from donors, volunteers, and the community is critical to continue the Y’s mission to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during the holidays and beyond.
“We want to thank Alma Cares, Paul Wahlberg and the Wahlberg family, and all the staff and volunteers here at the YMCA for all their hard work in this effort,” said South Shore YMCA President and CEO, Paul Gorman.
“Food insecurity doesn’t end when the holidays end,” added Gorman. “We could not continue to fully serve the community each week at our food pantry without the community’s help, so we ask you to please remember our Y when you consider your year-end giving.”
For information on ways that you can help support the South Shore YMCA food pantry and Holiday Assistance Program through donations, holiday gifts or by adopting a family this season, visit ssymca.org/holidayhelp or email holiday@ssymca.org.