As part of SNAP-Ed, Middlesex Community College (MCC) works with University of Massachusetts Nutrition Education Program (UMass NEP) to use Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) in their food pantry. SWAP is a system of signs that use a color coded system to help clients understand more about their food choices. Foods in the green category are highly encouraged, foods in the yellow category are recommended to choose sometimes, and foods in the red category are recommended rarely.
MCC’s food pantry is located in the main hallway of MCC’s primary building. Students are often found filling their bags and sharing what they will be making with their fresh food. MCC staff invite and encourage everyone to visit the pantry and take what they need. MCC works with Mill City Grows, Food For Free, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, and other local farms to source fresh fruit and vegetables, ready to reheat frozen meals, protein sources, fresh eggs and cheese, whole grains and nut butters.
Jeanne Baranek, the SNAP-Ed leader with UMass NEP in Lawrence, and Kathy Cunningham, a statewide SNAP-Ed leader with UMass NEP, coordinate with SNAP-Ed DTA and MCC staff to implement SWAP at the food pantry. Jonathan Crockett, MCC’s Coordinator of Essential Needs and Community Resources, and Bob Bruder, MCC’s Coordinator of Access to Healthy Foods, help operate the pantry. We thank them and all who work with them for the great work they do to help feed hungry MCC students.
