Symposium Sets the Table for New Food Security Initiative
Boston, MA – More than 200 attendees logged on to FamilyAid’s May 11th virtual symposium to hear leading housing, health, and education experts discuss how to best solve childhood homelessness, see FamilyAid’s work in action, and hear from children and parents about their experiences, hopes and dreams. The event has since launched a challenge grant and a new food security campaign as key national pandemic-related food programs end.
The event panelists included Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Medical Director Snehal Shah, and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius, who joined Emmy-award winning NBC Boston Journalist Alison King, and FamilyAid Boston President Larry Seamans, in a discussion about the impacts of the pandemic on homeless children and parents.
“In our work with FamilyAid, we continue to build upon the assets and strengths of the families we’re serving and work together to support the resilience that already exists in our children and parents,” says Dr. Shah.
Despite lifting COVID restrictions in Massachusetts, the pandemic is far from over for homeless children. The agency is forecasting services to over 3,000 children and parents in the next 12 months, requiring an additional half million dollars in food security and support services for families. Adding to this challenge, the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which FamilyAid guests have been relying on since March 2020, is ending May 31. New federal programs to help the poor won’t start until the end of summer, and many homeless families may not be eligible due to their lack of a fixed address. Continuing to provide fresh, healthy foods for the children in our care will be critical in the interim, as a growing number of children will be without access to school-provided breakfast and lunch.
To date, the symposium and initiative have raised $125,000, with one board member pledging to match all new donations up to $50,000.
“The best way to end child homelessness is to prevent it,” says Seamans. “Through our partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Public Schools, we’ve sheltered, housed, and fed more than 2,600 children and parents living in poverty since the pandemic. The path forward is still rocky for the working poor, and we are obligated in our mission to reach even more families still teetering on the edge.”
To watch FamilyAid’s Building Better Futures event, click here.
