South Shore YMCA Receives Food Pantry Grant from Harold Brooks Foundation

The South Shore YMCA has been named as a recipient of a $25,000 grant by the Harold Brooks Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, funds intended to help fight food insecurity in the Y’s service area.

The past two and a half years have seen the rapid expansion of YMCA food programs across the South Shore. With more than 900 children enrolled in early education and afterschool programs and nearly 2,000 children in summer day camps in Hanover, Norwell and Quincy, the South Shore Y feeds children throughout the year. The Hanover Family Farm delivers hundreds of pounds of fresh vegetables to local food pantries each summer and fall.

The greatest evidence of the Y’s commitment to fighting food insecurity can be seen in Quincy. The Germantown Neighborhood Center Food Pantry distributes approximately 20,000 pounds of food per week to local residents in need. Such constant and heavy activity causes wear and tear on food pantry infrastructure. “That includes our shelves, refrigerators, freezers, anything and everything that has to do with acquiring, storing and distributing food,” said Joshua Esquivel, Community Outreach Director at the Germantown Neighborhood Center. “This grant from the Harold Brooks Foundation is helping us address these capacity issues. It’s providing an even brighter future for the food pantry.”

For the Y, there is a wonderful historical connection that brings the story full circle. Harold Brooks sat on a committee that helped the Y find land to build its second facility in Quincy, which opened in 1955.

“We are thoroughly grateful for this grant from the Harold Brooks Foundation,” said Paul Gorman, President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA. “We are committed to helping eradicate food insecurity, as are all YMCAs. It’s heartening to know we have allies such as the Harold Brooks Foundation willing to support our efforts.”

For more information about the South Shore YMCA or the Harold Brooks Foundation Grant, please contact Mary Orne, Chief Development Officer, at morne@ssymca.org.

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About the South Shore YMCA

The South Shore YMCA is a membership organization open to all. Everyone is welcome regardless of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, economic level or disability. The South Shore Y strives to serve the entire community by providing “Membership for All” financial assistance for those who cannot afford the full cost of membership and programs. Y programs, services and facilities are designed to enhance the spiritual, mental, physical and social quality of life for all.