Community Corner

Gathering Change, Inc. Hosts Hunger Awareness Breakfast on March 19

Local group raises money for area food pantries.

Note: The following is a press release from Gathering Change, Inc.:

Food is a basic need and it is frightening to think that in our own neighborhoods, so close by, that some citizens do not have enough to eatGathering Change, Inc. hosts their first Hunger Awareness Breakfast on Saturday March 19, 2011 at 9:30am at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading.  ‘Come to the Table’ will offer insights into our current hunger crisis, the importance of healthy eating and ways to get involved. 

Hunger can be a mundane happening or a profound life-changing experience that is ongoing and linked with uncertainty.  Is hunger for you a passing point in your day which cues you that it is time for another meal?  Or is Hunger a reminder that your choices are limited and you are not sure where your next meal is coming from? 

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If you find yourself out of work, short of cash due to consistent medical expenses, underemployed or living on a fixed income, you may need to rely on your local food pantry to make ends meet from month to month.  Consider this: Massachusetts food pantries provide services to an estimated 625,000 people annually including the elderly, families with children and individuals who never thought they would ever need food assistance.

Gathering Change, Inc. was born in 2008 out of concern for those hardest hit by the economic downturn.  Part of the non-profit’s philosophy embraced the belief that ordinary people, even those with modest means, not only wanted to help others in need but were willing to share what they had. 

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Thus, the idea of collecting spare change and pooling it with others’ saved coins, cumulated into GCI raising thousands of dollars within the last three years and donating that money to 39 community food pantries.  Food pantries act as a bridge for folks who do not have sufficient income to meet all their essentials:  food and toiletries that are necessary to get by from week to week.

The Come to the Table Hunger Awareness Breakfast allows Gathering Change, Inc. to further demonstrate its mission, its future plans and to raise money.  Another important piece of this fundraiser is GCI’s second annual partnership with the Feinstein Foundation’s $1 Million Giveaway to End Hunger (www.feinsteinfoundation.org) which will match a percentage of all donations generated within the months of March and April. 

Profits from the breakfast sponsorships and ticket sales will go directly to North Shore food pantries. If you know of a business or individual who would like to sponsor this event or if you would like to attend, go to: www.gatheringchangeinc.org or call 617-548-5357.              


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