For the young people in our Housing Program, moving into and maintaining stable housing is a major milestone. It represents safety, independence, and the opportunity to begin building a future they’re excited about.
As they settle into their new apartment, our case managers work alongside them to apply for benefits like SNAP, obtain the documents needed for employment or education, connect them with our Counseling Center, and build the skills necessary for long-term independence. The goal is simple: help young people focus on navigating current obstacles while dreaming about and making goals for what comes next.
But as grocery prices continue to rise, changes to SNAP eligibility reduce food assistance, and this stability is threatened. More and more of the young people we serve are facing difficult decisions about how they’ll put food on the table.
Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger. It affects physical health, mental well-being, employment, education, and the ability to move forward.
When Every Meal Requires a Tough Decision
Meredith, our Housing Program Manager, has seen a recurring challenge among the young people she works with: reduced SNAP benefits.
“Many of our clients face mental health challenges that prevent them from working or attending school, which are now requirements for maintaining benefits,” Meredith explains. “They’re left trying to figure out how they’re going to eat each week.”
Food pantries remain an essential resource, not only for our residents but for our neighbors throughout our community. As food prices rise and more households rely on emergency food assistance, pantries are feeling the strain as well.
“Looking back at my time as a case manager, pantry utilization is at an all-time high,” Meredith reflects. “The amount of food available is lower, the quality is lower, and the ability to make complete and healthy meals just isn’t achievable.”
MarQuelle, our Permanent Supportive Housing Coordinator, sees similar challenges among residents at Marsh Brook Place.
“Clients tend to take more than their share when they’re able because they don’t know when they’ll have access to food again,” she explains. “Some stretch what they have by eating smaller portions or watering things down. Others eat food they don’t really enjoy to make their money last.”
When money is tight, every decision comes with a tradeoff. For many young people, that means choosing between groceries and a bill, or trying to make expired food last just a little longer because replacing it isn’t an option.
How You Can Help
As our staff continues to see and respond to increasing food insecurity, we’re asking our community to help fill the gaps we can’t fill alone.
Because a meal is about more than nourishment.
It’s the energy to make it through a work shift. The focus to succeed in class. The peace of mind to attend a counseling appointment, apply for a job, or enjoy an evening at home without wondering where tomorrow’s breakfast will come from.
Together, we can make sure young people have not only a roof over their heads, but the nourishment they need to thrive.
Please take a look at two new, meaningful ways to engage with us as we combat this increased food insecurity, as a community:
Make-A-Meal Kit
Gather your family, coworkers, classmates, faith community, or neighbors to assemble shelf-stable meal kits that include everything needed to prepare a complete meal. Each kit provides nourishment and an opportunity to learn a new recipe to rely on in the future.
Visit our Make-A-Meal Kit page to view example recipes and the dos and don’ts, and to let our team know you’re planning a meal kit drive.
Join the Kenmore Table
A shared meal creates connection. By providing lunch at Kenmore Square, volunteers help build community while allowing residents to gather around the table, share conversation, and enjoy a freshly prepared meal together.
Volunteer opportunities are available every weekday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Visit our Engage page (under “Volunteer With Us”) to learn more and sign up.
Because Everyone Deserves a Seat at the Table…
And together, we can make sure that no young person has to choose between paying a bill and eating dinner.
