#USA #Boston #Boston Children's Hospital #Feeding Families Foundation #Parent Plate Program

Feeding Families Foundation Expands Its Reach to Boston Children's Hospital

The Feeding Families Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity among caregivers of critically ill children, has broadened its horizons by introducing the Parent Plate program at Boston Children's Hospital. This key expansion, made possible through the generous support of Massey's Plate Glass & Aluminum, Inc., marks the foundation's first initiative in the state of Massachusetts and reinforces its ongoing commitment to aid families facing significant challenges in hospital settings.

The Parent Plate program serves to alleviate the stress and financial burden associated with hospital visits by providing free meals to caregivers. This initiative is crucial for those who must remain at their child's side during hospital stays. It aims to ensure that parents do not face the added hardship of seeking food in an already overwhelming time. When a child is hospitalized, the last thing a parent should worry about is where their next meal is coming from.

A Program Designed with Empathy

Jeff Dorman, Co-Founder and Chair of Feeding Families Foundation, articulated the inspiration behind this initiative, sharing, "We started Feeding Families Foundation to make sure no parent sits hungry beside their hospitalized child." This sentiment echoes the foundation's commitment to eradicating hospital food insecurity. The need for such a program was personally felt by the founders, who faced similar challenges during their daughter's treatment for leukemia.

The program operates without the hassle of applications or income restrictions, removing barriers for families in distress. It fosters collaboration with hospital food service teams to deliver meals directly to caregivers’ bedside, allowing them to concentrate on what truly matters—their child’s health.

Anticipated Impact at Boston Children’s Hospital

Boston Children's Hospital is enthusiastic about the potential impact of the Parent Plate program. Aaron Grey, Vice President of Social Work & Family Services at the hospital, stated, "We are deeply grateful to the Feeding Families Foundation for their generosity, which will provide hundreds of meals to families." This initiative will help ensure that families receive necessary nourishment while they focus on their child's care, thus promoting both physical and emotional well-being.

Robert Massey, Jr., President & CEO of Massey’s Plate Glass & Aluminum, Inc., expressed pride in supporting the launch of this program. He highlighted the importance of compassion for families undergoing medical crises, stating, "Families facing medical crises deserve support, dignity, and compassion. We're proud to stand with Feeding Families Foundation as they expand this vital program to one of the world's leading pediatric hospitals."

Expansion and Future Goals

To date, Feeding Families Foundation has delivered thousands of meals across multiple states, including Connecticut, Oregon, and Illinois. This latest initiative is expected to serve hundreds of families each year in Boston, fulfilling its mission to ensure that when a child is nourished, their parent is, too.

Dorman adds that through the continued expansion of the Parent Plate program, they strive to impact lives positively—"By delivering nourishment and support during life's toughest moments, Feeding Families Foundation's Parent Plate Program continues to scale its nationwide impact—one meal, one family, one hospital at a time."

For those looking to support this meaningful initiative, Feeding Families Foundation welcomes community involvement and volunteer efforts to further its outreach. Interested parties can visit feedingfamiliesfoundation.org for more information on how to get involved, contribute, or assist in expanding the program in Massachusetts and beyond.