Boston (August 10, 2005) - The Citizens Bank Foundation has granted the South Shore Community Action Council $10,000 to support the Greater Plymouth Food Resources Group's (GPFRG) Central Warehouse operation, which is a critical resource for South Shore emergency food providers.
The GPFRG was formed in 2003 and provides assistance to more than 20 food pantries, soup kitchens and Head Start programs on the South Shore. Many of these emergency food programs operate out of small spaces and do not have refrigerators to store perishable products including fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat, and lack adequate transportation to obtain and deliver food. The GPFRG assists these programs through providing nutritious and healthy food, safe storage and transportation assistance.
"We are so pleased to have received a grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation to support the Greater Plymouth Food Resource Group," said Patricia A. Daly, the South Shore Community Action Council's Executive Director. "Because so many resources are targeted to the Greater Boston area, Greater Plymouth is often under-resourced. Yet many people here, particularly our elderly neighbors, are food insecure and truly need a helping hand. GPFRG has proven to be a successful model of shared resources and coordinated emergency food acquisition, storage and distribution."
In addition to serving individuals and families, the Greater Plymouth Food Resource Group is committed to serving the elderly, many of whom are food-insecure. Senior citizens on fixed incomes often struggle to pay their rent or mortgage, heat their homes and buy needed medication. This often leaves little or no money for food. As a result, many are forced to rely on emergency food programs to supplement their food budget.
"Citizens Bank is proud to support a program that helps so many South Shore community members," said Robert E. Smyth, Chairman, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts. "Access to nutritious food should be available to everyone regardless of income level. We commend the South Shore Community Action Council for providing assistance and hope to individuals and families in need."
The Citizens Bank Foundation is the principal charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank, N.A. The foundation's support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs. Citizens Bank of Massachusetts is a $31 billion bank with more than 260 branches and 640 ATMs stretching from greater Boston to Cape Cod and the Berkshires.
Since 1965, the South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC) has provided a range of critical services to low-income individuals and families on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and has toiled to combat the root causes of poverty in those communities. By strengthening and coordinating existing efforts, its mission is to eliminate poverty along the South Shore by affording everyone in need the opportunities for education, training and work; to live with dignity; to contribute to the full extent of their capabilities; and to participate in the workings of our society.