- Executive Office of the Trial Court
- Massachusetts Probation Service
Media Contact for Massachusetts Courts host second statewide, week-long food drives as part of the Trial Court’s 5th annual Cultural Appreciation Week
Coria Holland, Communications Director
This event—the largest of its kind in the country— will take place October 18-22. Last year, more than 15 tons of food was collected and donated to food pantries and charitable organizations throughout the state.
This year’s theme is “Justice, Culture, and Community: This is Your Trial Court.” The week-long event is a celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the courts and communities throughout the Commonwealth. The food and supply drive was launched last year during the Pandemic when organizers of the week’s activities decided to help those who are experiencing “food insecurity.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as "a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level.” Thirty percent—1.6 million—of adults in Massachusetts do not know where their next meal is coming from. One in five children in the state live in food insecure homes, according to Feeding America.
The Trial Court’s annual food drive will conclude at the end of the celebration and will be followed by a statewide clothing drive which will continue through the end of the year. Cold weather gear such as coats, sweaters, socks, hats, and gloves will be collected at courthouses and centers across the state.
Bins for non-perishable foods and supplies such as toiletries will be set up at courthouses and Community Justice Support Centers across the state. To find a Food Drive near you, click here for the list: Trial Court Cultural Appreciation Week 2021 Food Drives.