September was Hunger Action Month and to support communities facing unprecedented needs due to the impact of COVID , the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation announced $1 million in emergency grant funding for hunger relief organizations. This latest round of funding follows closely on the heels of the Foundation’s $1.25 million in grants distributed in March to support health and hunger relief organizations during the early days of the pandemic. With these newest grants, the Foundation is focusing on non-profit organizations that support underserved communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19.
Through these grants, we’re proud to be providing critical funding to more than 100 local health and hunger-relief organizations across the country. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on two of the grantees that are dedicated to keeping their communities fed during Hunger Action Month and beyond.
Mill City Grows Continues Farm Share Program

Mill City Grows in Lowell, Massachusetts focuses on increasing community access to healthy, fresh food through the development of urban food production and distribution networks. From building and maintaining school gardens to harvesting armloads of fresh greens from the organization’s Urban Farm, and packing local produce in the Mill City ROOT Kitchen, Mill City Grows puts food onto the plates of children throughout Lowell all year long. Mill City Grows received a $5,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to continue their efforts during Hunger Action Month.

"We are committed to growing and distributing fresh, local food to Lowell's young students and their families. We believe that all children and families have a right to fresh, healthy food that is good for them and the environment,” said Jessica Wilson, Executive Director of Mill City Grows. “Support from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation allows us to continue our farm share program into the fall and winter, keeping people fed with healthy and sustainable, local produce."
The Food Project Supplies Fresh Produce Across Massachusetts

The Food Project in Lincoln, Massachusetts aims to create a thoughtful and productive community of people from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system.
Every year, The Food Project hires 120 teens to help grow 200,000 pounds of food and donate more than 180,000 servings of fresh produce to hunger relief organizations across eastern Massachusetts. The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation awarded The Food Project with a $15,000 grant to support their hunger relief efforts.

“This grant enables The Food Project to expand its ability to sustainably grow diverse fruits and vegetables on 70 acres of farmland, and partner with local organizations to distribute the harvest to families and kids most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Anne Hayes, Executive Director of The Food Project.
You can help support organizations like Mill City Grows and The Food Project by donating to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. To learn more, visit www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.org.
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