Initiated by Suze Goldman (Rachel’s Table supporter and former Jewish Federation President), Feeding the Front Lines matched health care facilities with local restaurants to deliver meals to our essential health care workers. Healthy lunches and dinners were delivered to nursing homes and local hospitals. Meals went to the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Jewish Geriatric Services-Lifecare, Reeds Landing, Governor’s Center and others. Not only does this show appreciation to healthcare workers, but also supported local businesses.
The Kitchen, a restaurant in Longmeadow provided the sandwiches, chips, and fruit. Bobby Barkett, the owner safely made and distributed the meals. It truly was a community partnership as he delivered the many meals to essential health care workers.
We not only fed the front lines, but we kept them safe! Suze also sold beautiful handmade masks for the benefit of Rachel’s Table. All monies from the sales went to Feeding the Front Lines. Not only were these masks useful, but they supported our essential health care workers through nutritious meals.
The project blossomed through Suze’s connection with Zach Schwartz – Fusion Signs. Zach agreed to sell signs acknowledging our local healthcare heroes – with a percentage donated to Rachel’s Table. Community support exploded. Many signs were sold all over our community – including Franklin County where proceeds were used to purchase meals for Baystate Health, first responders, and in the month of June, four area nursing homes and assisted living centers.
Our next step is to deliver gift bags to additional health care facility staff. Inside will be a gift card to purchase food from Stop/Shop. As a community organization, Rachel’s Table sees a need and fills the need – Feeding the Front Lines sustains those who sustain us.
We thank Suze Goldman for her energy, commitment, and care for those that are caring for us.