Bread & Roses (B&R) is a community kitchen and human services network serving Lawrence, Massachusetts and the greater Merrimack Valley. It was founded in 1980 with the mission to nourish the body and soul of those most at risk, while treating them with dignity and respect. In order to meet the needs of the most vulnerable of Lawrence, such as seniors, veterans, immigrants, low-income families, and those experiencing homelessness, B&R offers a wide variety of services beyond providing food, such as health services, case management, and access to laundry services and essential items like clothing, toiletries, and infant supplies. B&R is driven by and for the community; every year more than 19,000 volunteer hours are logged and less than $9,000 is spent on food.
Lawrence has endured significant hardship due to Covid-19, and Bread & Roses is working harder than ever to adapt and support the community at this critical time.
A key part of B&R’s success is collaboration with local groups, such as churches, shelters, and other human services agencies. This allows Bread & Roses to reach struggling families, many of whom do not have access to vital support like SNAP benefits. B&R provides both prepared meals and bulk food for daily distribution, empowering pastors, social workers, and shelter staff with the ability to provide food and other critical supports – such as grocery cards, laundry cards, or essential items – in real time, without hoops to jump through.
With in-house community dinners not being a current option, B&R has pivoted their focus to obtaining and distributing grocery gift cards and pantry orders, in addition to their daily food outreach deliveries. This gives Lawrence residents access to food and other comforts, whether or not they have a place to call home. Their Cards Go a Long Way campaign was featured in our company newsletter and has been a great success in generating far-reaching support. To make a contribution, please visit: Cards Go A Long Way
A wide range of regional organizations have supported B&R and their critical efforts – such as the Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston Food Banks, Neighbors in Need, House of Mercy, Lazarus House Ministries, Vinfen, and the YWCA. Well-known franchises like KFC, Cumberland Farms, and Shaw’s are regularly making large-scale food donations, along with countless local bakeries and restaurants. B&R shares the wealth, supporting other local pantries when they are short on supply, even lending out their second delivery van to help, when needed.
Bread & Roses works tirelessly on the frontline of poverty to support real people working through real hardships. For more than forty years, they have helped countless people put food on the table and take care of their families.
HomeWorks Energy is proud to partner with and support Bread & Roses in everything they do. We’re honored to receive a community award from Bread & Roses as a new ally during 2020, for our support during a challenging year.
We’re donating $25 to the organization for every no-cost virtual Home Energy Assessment performed.
Schedule online at homeworksenergy.com/neighbors/breadandroses or call (781) 528-0822 and mention Bread & Roses.
A no-cost Home Energy Assessment shows you how your home consumes and loses energy and you get access to generous Mass Save® rebates such as 75%+ off insulation, 100% off air sealing, and no-cost items such as LED light bulbs and programmable thermostats. You receive a custom energy report of your home and Bread & Roses gets $25 to help support their community efforts.
Join us and let’s build a stronger community together!
