FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Former federation hunger relief program Rachel’s Table declares independence
The nonprofit split’s from the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts was approved last year
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of households in Massachusetts experiencing hunger doubled, to 16.8%; afterward, as COVID crisis funding vanished and food prices rose, a local food justice program in the state is increasing the quantity and quality of available healthy food, especially through gleaning from and growing with the community.
Rachel’s Table has existed as a program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts since its founding 30 years ago. Now, a year after the federation’s board of trustees approved its spinoff, it is functioning as an independent, stand-alone organization. The process of transition to becoming a fully independent entity as well as a constituent agency receiving support and partnering with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts to serve the local community took roughly a year.
The Western Massachusetts federation serves approximately 35,000 Jewish residents, according to its CEO, Nora Gorenstein, although Rachel’s Table’s programs are available to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.