Webster Five donates $25,000 to the Worcester County Food Bank

(December 21, 2020) Webster, MA –

Webster Five announced that it has donated $25,000 to Worcester County Food Bank to support their efforts in meeting the increased demand for food resources in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help support the distribution of donated food to its network of food pantries throughout Worcester County that assist individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.

Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) and its network of food pantries, mostly run by volunteers, are helping an average of 38,830 people every month; a 27% increase compared to a year ago. According to Feeding America, the national network of food banks, 1 in 12 people and 1 in 10 children in Worcester County were food insecure prior to the pandemic. They project that food insecurity now affects 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children. WCFB is currently distributing enough food for 115,000 meals every week which is an 18 percent increase over last year. In addition, the food bank is purchasing food for the first time to supplement their donated food resources in order to remain a reliable supplier of food during this uncertain time.

Donald F. Doyle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Webster Five, stated, “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to provide this funding to the Worcester County Food Bank, as we’re deeply aware of how food insecurity has been greatly intensified in our area by the pandemic. Webster Five is committed to helping those in need in our community and we are proud to have the Food Bank as our partner and thank them for their efforts in meeting the needs of our community.”

“The pandemic has disproportionately affected our neighbors and communities of color and exacerbated a food insecurity problem that already affected far too many of our neighbors,” said Jean McMurray, Executive Director of the Worcester County Food Bank. “Thanks to contributions like this one from Webster Five, we can respond to this huge demand in a meaningful way. Together with our loyal supporters, WCFB will continue to be a source of help and hope to our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.”