Grant will help Clinton's WHEAT buy generator to help with food pantry

CLINTON - Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined community leaders April 13 to celebrate critical federal investments in food security at WHEAT Community Connections in Clinton. The group discussed the importance of the $26,838 in federal funding, participated in a brief tour of the facility, and distributed food to patrons.

“For four decades, WHEAT Community Connections has served as a lifeline for so many families in the Greater Clinton region — and that’s only become more true during the pandemic,” Trahan said. “Thanks to funds from the recently-passed government funding package, WHEAT will be able to buy a generator for their food pantry, enabling them to continue to provide life-changing food assistance to those in need. I’m proud to have secured this federal investment, and look forward to seeing the impact of this investment on Clinton for years to come.”

WHEAT Community Connections, a direct service program of the United Way of Tri-County, supports Clinton residents through quality food programs and services. The $26,838 in Community Project Funding secured by Trahan will enable the organization to purchase and install a new generator for its food pantry, which ensures that critical food supplies are preserved in the event of a power outage.

With thousands of pounds of food in refrigerators and freezers ready for distribution each week, and supply chains that have been impacted by COVID-19, losing this food would be detrimental to people who desperately rely on food assistance to make ends meet.

“It was great to have Congresswoman Trahan visit our organization to meet with and thank the volunteers and staff who serve so many people in our community,” said Jodi Breidel, North County regional director of WHEAT Community Connections. “The funding we received for a generator will ensure that there are no barriers to getting food out to those in need and for this we are very grateful.”

"Just as WHEAT supports our community, Congresswoman Trahan's efforts are supporting WHEAT,” Clinton Town Administrator Mike Ward said. “We are so proud of what the people of WHEAT do for Clinton and the surrounding towns. The congresswoman's words and actions show that she understands how a little home-grown support can make all the difference in smaller towns like ours, and we are grateful for her visit this morning.”

"WHEAT continues to be a critical resource for residents of Clinton and the surrounding towns,” State Senator John Cronin said. “The funding secured by Congresswoman Trahan will enable WHEAT to continue serving the region's most vulnerable populations and ensure that those facing food insecurity have access to the appropriate resources. I am thankful to the Congresswoman for her commitment to Clinton and look forward to continue working together to advocate for the region.”

“I am thrilled to see this critical investment in WHEAT Community Connections and I am proud to join Congresswoman Trahan in recognizing the incredible work WHEAT does for our communities,” State Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne said. “These federal funds will allow WHEAT to continue and expand the vital assistance they provide to many in our communities for years to come.”