MLCS News

Help MLCS respond to increased need for food and supportive services

Right now, thousands of families are struggling as SNAP eligibility tightens, recertification delays disrupt benefits, and housing and food costs continue to climb — worsened by new federal tariffs. For many East Boston households, these changes mean shrinking grocery budgets and rising bills right as winter approaches.

MLCS is stepping up: we’re expanding our food distribution, rescuing and redirecting food through our network, and partnering with local organizations to ensure no family is left behind. But the need is growing — and we need your help to scale these efforts.

​Introducing Michael Zayas

Leading Our Food Program Forward

We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Zayas, our new Food Program Coordinator.

Michael has spent more than five years ensuring families in East Boston and Dorchester have access to healthy, nourishing food. His work focuses on fighting food insecurity and building stronger community connections. Michael believes that small acts of kindness can create big change — a value at the heart of MLCS.

When he’s not working to make a difference, you’ll find him cheering for the Patriots, enjoying the crisp fall weather, or treating himself to a pumpkin spice latte. ☕🍂

Donate to MLCS Emergency Food Fund

Noemy first joined MLCS through our ESOL classes, then began volunteering at our weekly food distribution. Her story shows how every MLCS program is connected — people come for one resource and find many others. Volunteers like Noemy keep our food distribution running, even as food access is under attack.

We Need Your Help

We’re raising $30,000 to keep food on the table in East Boston. Every dollar makes a difference:

$25 feeds a family for a week

$100 keeps our van delivering fresh food

$500 supports a full distribution day

Food access is essential in East Boston where there are less affordable and accessible grocery stores.

At MLCS, we know these are challenging times for many in our community — especially with recent changes to SNAP eligibility, ongoing recertification delays, and rising housing and food costs. That’s why we’ve doubled our food distribution and are sharing several local programs we support across East Boston.

Food is free and accessible at multiple locations, and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure families can get what they need. Whether you need a little extra support this month or know someone who does, please help us spread the word so that everyone in our community can access the resources they deserve. 🌿💛