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UNITED WAY HOSTS GRAND OPENING OF PEARL STREET CUPBOARD & CAFÉ

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House Mark the Beginning of Community Efforts to Relieve Hunger in Greater Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Cupboard doors are almost ready to open. On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, the United Way of Tri-County hosted the Grand Opening and Open House for the Pearl Street Cupboard and Café at 10 Pearl St. in Framingham. The Cupboard is part of the United Way’s Food Security Initiative, which aims to reduce the number of hungry individuals and families in the greater Framingham area. The Food Security Initiative also includes the Marlborough Community Cupboard, formerly Marlborough Community Services, Inc. along with a number of funded food pantries and congregate meal programs located within the MetroWest/495 Corridor.

Volunteers from local Unions, Corporations, and Community Organizations have opened their hearts and lent their hands throughout the renovation of the Pearl Street facility. They were honored as part of Grand Opening/Open House Program. They have turned the former Registry of Motor Vehicles site into a warm, welcoming space where people can go with pride and dignity to receive non-emergency healthy food. Clients will also have access to other services, such as clothing and books for children, assistance with social services, and opportunities to learn about such subjects as healthy meal preparation, budget management, and parenting support.

At a time when many of our neighbors and friends are either unemployed or underemployed a large, comprehensive community food pantry that provides "wrap around" services can be both helpful and timely.

The United Way’s objective for providing this service is to better understand the root causes of hunger and then connect consumers with services that empower and lead them to self sufficiency. Improving job skills, suggesting healthy food alternatives, providing a non-judgmental space to navigate a system that has many barriers to becoming independent will all help people to move out of the cycle of poverty. "Our goal is to give individuals and families a helping hand rather than a hand out." says Paul Mina, President of United Way of Tri-County. "Everyone is welcome."

"Our goal is not to replace other existing food pantries, but rather to supplement their efforts and support their success."

The Grand Opening/Open House took place Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:45 am for a ribbon-cutting and recognition ceremony, followed by an Open House and tours of the facility. The Pearl Street Cupboard & Café is located at 10 Pearl St. in Framingham.

For more information on the United Way of Tri-County’s Food Security Initiative, visit www.uwotc.org/food.