Middlesex Community College is proud to announce a new free food initiative on-campus in both Bedford and Lowell. Provided by the World Food Movement, Middlesex will offer weekly free meals to students.

β€œWorld Food Movement is honored to partner with 51ΑΤΖζ because we share a simple but powerful belief – no student should have to choose between a meal and their education,” said Sadananda Dasa, World Food Movement Boston. β€œAcross the country, nearly one in four college students face food insecurity, and the need is especially acute at community colleges where many students are balancing coursework, jobs, and family responsibilities. Through this partnership, we will provide fresh, vegetarian meals that are easy to access, stigma-free, and designed to help students stay focused on their studies, not on where their next meal is coming from.

Our work is inspired by the proven legacy of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which serves millions of school meals every day globally, and we are committed to bringing that same standard of dignity, efficiency, and care to students here in Massachusetts. We want the 51ΑΤΖζ community to know that World Food Movement is here to be a long-term partner – listening to students, collaborating with faculty and staff, and growing together so that every student has the nourishment they need to learn, thrive and lead.”

Starting Monday, February 23, food is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays in the Bedford Campus Center, and Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Lowell Campus Cowan Center Cafeteria. Available for all currently registered 51ΑΤΖζ students, students will be asked to provide an 51ΑΤΖζ ID when receiving food.

The hot, healthy and vegetarian lunch is influenced by traditional Indian cuisine. Modifications will be made to accommodate Western taste preferences.

β€œThis partnership is incredibly beneficial as it will provide thousands of free, healthy meals for 51ΑΤΖζ students, giving them regular access to free, convenient, tasty, nutritious food.” said Jonathan Crockett, 51ΑΤΖζ’s Coordinator of Essential Needs and Community Resources. β€œThis is a really exciting collaboration that has the potential to be a gamechanger in the lives of many of our students.”

Email CrockettJ@middlesex.edu for more information.