Dorchester House Multi-Service Center was recently awarded $12,500 in grants from Partners HealthCare and Project Bread to support its food pantry operations and food security in the community. Partners’ donation will support a voucher program for the health center’s food pantry clients. In the summer of 2015, vouchers in the amount of $10 dollars will be distributed to each food pantry client family to be redeemed at the Dorchester House Farmers’ Market. This will facilitate access to fresh produce and fish, as well as supporting local farmers that provide the goods that are sold at the weekly market. Additional funds from the donation will increase access for patients to food security during the holiday season.

“These generous grants from Partners HealthCare and Project Bread enable us to continue our goal of providing services to individuals who are facing hardships in the community,” said Walter Ramos, president and CEO of the Dorchester House.

The Dorchester House farmers’ market, though small and only open two hours per week over 14 weeks, reported one of the highest numbers of SNAP/EBT sales in the city. On average, the Dot House farmers’ market provides 50 types of fish and produce to 100 customers per day.

Project Bread has also awarded Dorchester House funding to support their food pantry operations. Dorchester House’s food pantry has been operating for over 20 years and services 1,400-1,500 individuals a month. In 2013, the Dorchester House Food Pantry distributed almost 255,000 pounds of food to clients living in Dorchester. Food pantry distribution occurs twice a week and clients are allowed to visit the pantry once a month.

The grant will also support the health center’s case managers in helping patients apply for SNAP (food stamp) benefits and connecting patients to food resources while awaiting benefits to commence.

“The goal of Dorchester House’s hunger prevention activities is to screen all patients for food security and then develop an action plan with patients that directly connect them to the appropriate resources.” explained Michelle Nadow, Chief Administrative Officer at Dorchester House.