“ULEM Feeds Neighbors” with DFC: $20K Donation — Gift Cards & 100 Membership Shares (Event: Nov 20, 2025)
Our response at DFC: “Neighbors Feed Neighbors” Fund
Dorchester Food Co-op is only as strong as the people who fill its aisles. In response to growing food uncertainty, we are launching Neighbors Feed Neighbors (NFN) — a community-powered initiative that meets immediate needs while strengthening long-term stability through cooperation and shared ownership.
This work is made possible by a generous seed donation from the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM). Their leadership investment allows DFC to launch NFN with real scale and intention:
200 DFC gift cards, valued at $50 each, distributed through trusted community partners
100 discounted Co-op membership shares, expanding ownership and access for households who may otherwise be excluded
These resources ensure that support reaches people with dignity, choice, and care — through organizations that already know their communities best.
“ULEM Feeds Neighbors”, Partners and community leaders join DFC to accept a $20K donation
“Neighbors Feed Neighbors” is rooted in collaboration. We are deeply grateful to the leaders and partners who helped shape and support this effort, including:
Rahsaan Hall, Esq., CEO & President, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Josh Kraft, Board Chair, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Natalie Haywood, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Ella Froggatt, Bowdoin Street Health Center
Valerie Bean, Family Nurturing Center
Shanon Healey, Project Bread
Together, these partners reflect a shared commitment to food justice, community health, and locally driven solutions.
How Neighbors Feed Neighbors works
Through NFN, funds raised at the Co-op are turned into DFC Gift Cards, distributed by trusted partners such as Bowdoin Street Health Center and Family Nurturing Center.
Here’s how community members can take part:
Round up at the register when shopping at the Co-op
Donate any amount — a $20 contribution equals one DFC gift card for a household or individual in need
Support subsidized Co-op memberships, helping more neighbors become member-owners
This approach keeps food access local, respectful, and community-led — without requiring people to navigate additional systems during already difficult moments.
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Building ownership, not just access
Neighbors Feed Neighbors is about more than food — it’s about belonging and shared power.
By offering discounted memberships alongside food support, NFN helps more neighbors become Co-op owners. That means a stronger, more resilient Dorchester Food Co-op — one that is better prepared to weather future challenges and continue serving the community we belong to.
Because when more people own the Co-op, we all benefit.
Request a subsidized membership
If you or someone in your household could benefit from a subsidized Dorchester Food Co-op membership, we invite you to reach out.
[ Request a Subsidized Membership ]
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