Inspirational Leaders – Stepping Up to Give Back
Every other year we take stock and honor people and organizations that have supported our mission of food waste reduction and hunger relief. This year, we honor three community guardians who have done so much for this cause, especially during the pandemic. This year’s Bountiful Bowls honored Bob and Roberta Bolduc, philanthropists and owner, Pride Stores, as well as Suze Goldman, activist.
Long time members of our community, Bob and Roberta support many local organizations with an emphasis on helping families and children in need. Bob feels it is critical to provide access to reasonably priced produce and freshly prepared food to our neighbors. To that end, he has located Pride Stores in areas where residents find it hard to purchase nutritious foods. Pride is an honored food donor to Rachel’s Table. We are thankful that we are one of the organizations they support.
Suze Goldman, LICSW, was also honored. A community activist and Rachel’s Table volunteer, Suze was one of the first to step up during the pandemic to create Feeding the Frontlines, a signature program of Rachel’s Table – selling hand-made masks. In turn, proceeds from the mask sales purchased nutritious lunches and dinners for essential healthcare workers and first responders in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties. During the early days of the pandemic, this was a way to care for those who were taking care of us. Bobby Barkett of The Kitchen in Longmeadow prepared much of the food, and Zach Schwartz of Fusion Cross-Media created a lawn-sign campaign that showed our support of essential workers. Suze also initiated Lily’s fruit fund (in memory of her mother and in honor of her granddaughter), bringing fresh fruit to our agencies serving families. Fresh nutritious food made accessible to those who need it most – our honorees inspired us as we worked to feed our community during the pandemic. Rachel’s Table is profoundly grateful to Bob, Roberta and Suze for making a difference.