WORCESTER—With food insecurity rising across Massachusetts, the WooSox Foundation is asking fans to step up to the plate.
The charitable arm of the Worcester Red Sox is holding a week-long food drive through Nov. 12 to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank, which serves tens of thousands of residents struggling to afford groceries. Donations of nonperishable food are being accepted at the WooSox Team Store at Polar Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to the Worcester County Food Bank, more than 140,000 Worcester County residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) each month, including 51,000 in the city of Worcester alone. The foundation noted that as Thanksgiving nears and federal food assistance faces uncertainty, community donations are more critical than ever.
“We have all seen posts on social media from people asking what to do when their SNAP benefits run out,” said WooSox Director of Merchandise Suizee Bailey in the announcement. “Our food drive provides a safe, trusted way for people to make a meaningful impact.”
Donations must include a visible expiration date and ingredient list. The Food Bank encourages items such as gluten-free foods, spices, condiments, nuts, cereal, rice, pasta, low-sodium soups, beans, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices. Candy, energy drinks, and sugary beverages are discouraged.
At the end of the drive, the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, a red RV that supports community outreach throughout the year, will deliver all donations to the food bank.
The initiative reflects the foundation’s ongoing focus on social justice and local needs, especially as inflation and reduced assistance programs continue to leave more households struggling to make ends meet.
