LYNN — For the second year in a row, just before the holidays, Old Neighborhood Foods and Demakes Enterprises donated nearly 10,000 pounds of their famous meat products to families and staff at the Washington STEM Elementary and Robert L. Ford elementary schools.
The distributions took place on Dec. 17-18 as part of United Way’s Community Schools initiative. Each family received a 10-pound box that included cold cuts, sausages, and hot dogs.
The Community Schools strategy integrates academics, health, and social supports through strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. Across Massachusetts, this model is helping communities improve attendance, address chronic absenteeism, support mental health, and strengthen family engagement. Lynn’s Ford and Washington STEM schools are shining examples of what public schools and community partnerships can do to lift families.
“They’re doing wonderful things at these schools,” said Tom Demakes, Old Neighborhood Foods owner. “It makes you feel like you’ve done some good, and that means a lot.”
Superintendent of Schools Molly Cohen said, “We appreciate the partnership of the United Way with the Community Schools initiative and the ongoing generosity of Mr. Demakes and Old Neighborhood.”
Amy Chruniak, Ford’s Community School’s coordinator, said, “To be able to fill these gaps and give families food to take home for the long holiday break feels really great — especially in a time when parents are experiencing reductions in benefits.”
Marty Martinez, president and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, said, “Partnerships like these show how Community Schools are helping to meet student needs so they can grow, learn, and thrive. We’re grateful to Demakes Enterprises and Old Neighborhood Foods for helping to ensure families who are already struggling with rising costs of housing, heat and more can make healthy meals over the holiday break.”
