Fallon Health Mini Grant to Benefit Oxford Food Shelf

Fallon Health has presented a $1,000 Community Benefits Mini Grant to the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf. 

The Oxford Food Shelf provides free emergency grocery assistance to individuals and families living in Oxford, Massachusetts, and to families who are not residents of Oxford but who are registered members of an Oxford Church. 

The Food Shelf will use the funds to stock its shelves when supplies get low, and to purchase such foods as fresh fruits and vegetables. All the food the Food Shelf provides is paid for entirely by donations from individuals and local businesses and organizations, and grants.

Fallon Health’s Community Benefits Mini Grant program’s main purpose is to support non-profit organizations that help reduce barriers and improve health outcomes in the communities it serves. Funding supports programs that address hunger, eliminate health care barriers for older adults, or focus on mental health early intervention programs for children and youth. 

“We applaud the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf on the important work they’re doing to address food and nutrition security by improving and expanding access to healthy food sources,” said Cheryl Schmaltz, Community Engagement Manager at Fallon Health. “We know the funding will further accelerate actions that will lead to better and more equitable health outcomes in the community.”

Fallon Health personally visits many of the organizations it provides funding to. This provides an important opportunity for them to learn more about the region’s needs and how all partners can work together to be a continued resource to the communities they serve.

Schmaltz recently visited the Oxford Food Shelf to present the $1,000 grant check to Christina St. Martin, Chairperson of the Oxford Ecumenical Council which manages the Food Shelf. While visiting the Food Shelf, a volunteer staff member gave Schmaltz a tour of the operation. 

“We are grateful for the funding,” said St. Martin. “We will use it to stock our shelves and help the individuals and families who come to us for food. Higher grocery prices have increased our numbers, which we expect to continue to grow as we near the holidays. Our families and volunteers appreciate all that Fallon Health does for our community.”   

Located in the lower level of the Oxford Community Center, the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf is open 4:30 pm to 6:30 every Thursday, except holidays. The Oxford Food Shelf does not discriminate in any way. Any resident of Oxford can come to the Food Shelf for food. 

To make a financial donation, please mail a check to the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf, 4 Maple Rd., Oxford, MA 01540. Food donations may be left in the drop boxes at the Oxford Community Center or any one of the churches in Oxford. 

Read the Webster Times article.