U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) visited Community Harvest Project (CHP) in Grafton on Aug. 3 to speak about hunger relief and food insecurity in Massachusetts. Community Harvest Project engages and educates volunteers to grow fruits and vegetables for hunger relief in the region.

During his visit, Rep. McGovern addressed critical issues related to hunger, including the farm bill and state lawmakers’ efforts to fund free universal school meals. He emphasized the importance of taking steps to alleviate food insecurity in the community. 

Despite these positive efforts, Rep. McGovern also expressed concern over congressional Republicans pushing for cuts to existing benefits, which could hinder progress in the fight against hunger. 

“Hunger is a political condition,” Rep. McGovern remarked during his visit. “We possess the necessary resources, knowledge, and food to solve this problem. What we lack is the political will. However, we are gradually building that will, and together, we can make a real difference.”

Community Harvest Project relies heavily on the support of volunteers and plays a crucial role in addressing the hunger crisis. Last year alone, CHP donated 323,375 pounds of produce to people experiencing food insecurity in Eastern and Central Massachusetts. 

Tori Buerschaper, CHP’s Executive Director, highlighted the gravity of the current situation. 

“Recent statistics indicate that one in three people in Massachusetts faces hunger, a number higher than pre-pandemic levels,” she said. “This is a crisis, and we must take action. It is imperative that we provide robust support systems, including programs that help people secure a living wage, ensuring they have all they need to afford food without struggling.”

Several of Community Harvest Project’s distribution partners also participated in the discussion including Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Community Servings, UMass Memorial Health, Boston Area Gleaners, Grafton Food Bank, and Stone Soup Kitchen, as well as an aide from Rep. Hannah Kane’s (R-Shrewsbury) office.  

For more information about locations, programs and impact, contact Wayne McAuliffe, [email protected].