Nourish Nantucket Invests over $1 Million in Food Security Programming this year

Since last July, Nourish Nantucket has invested more than $1 million to help ensure everyone on the island has access to food. This includes grants to local partners through the Nourish Food Fund as well as funding for its own pilot programs, designed to create programs to address unmet needs. The milestone reflects growing momentum behind a shared, island-wide effort to make sure no one goes without reliable meals.

These investments come at a critical time. Many residents are facing rising costs of living, while access to government programs like SNAP is becoming more limited. Strengthening local food programs helps fill those gaps and support neighbors in need.

Nourish Nantucket focuses on understanding what the community needs most, then directing resources where they can make the biggest impact. By conducting research and working closely with local partners, the organization helps programs reach more people, expand services, and better connect with one another.

This spring’s Nourish Nantucket Food Fund grants supported:

• Nantucket Food Pantry (NFFRA): Providing groceries and prepared meals to thousands of island residents, supported by food rescue, donations, and volunteers.
• Health Imperatives, Nantucket WIC: Offering additional grocery support for families enrolled in WIC.
• The Warming Place: Supplying meals and groceries for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
• Our House, Nantucket: Serving meals to students throughout the school year.
• Elder Services of Cape Cod & Islands: Delivering Meals on Wheels and hosting community dining programs for seniors.

In addition to these grants, Nourish Nantucket runs programs to reach people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. These include a summer meals program with Nantucket Public Schools providing over 3,300 this summer, grocery debit cards for 600 residents, 150 weekly highly nutritious prepared meals for neighbors with chronic or terminal illness, new parents, and those without kitchen access, and several collaborative programs with Sustainable Nantucket including a mobile farm truck at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, a CSA produce program for 100 individuals, and expanded SNAP/HIP benefits at the farmers market.

“Every dollar we invest is a demonstration of our network’s strength,” said Meg Browers, Executive Director of Nourish Nantucket. “Our role is to support the people and programs already doing this work so they can reach more of our neighbors. When these organizations are stronger, the whole island benefits.”

Looking ahead, Nourish Nantucket plans to announce another round of grants this fall and continue growing its impact. “Nourish Nantucket is gaining momentum,” said Board Member Bruce Percelay. “With broader community support, we have a real chance not just to make progress, but to end hunger on Nantucket.”