RSVP for RJI PRESENTS March 5!

FEBRUARY 2025 / ISSUE 52

How Hunger Affects Communities of Color!

Hunger is an epidemic that affects 44 million Americans, more than 9 million of whom are Black people who can not access enough food to lead a healthy active life in 2023. One in three households (34%) in Massachusetts experience food insecurity which disproportionately affects families of color where the rate of hunger rises to 48% of households!

Lauren Fiechtner, MD, MPH will join us to discuss her groundbreaking work on the harmful effects of hunger on health. As the director of nutrition in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Brigham, Dr. Fiechtner is a leader in a nationwide “Food is Medicine” strategy that recognizes food insecurity as a key driver of health. In her practice, she sees both the effects of nutrition-related chronic diseases and how food can prevent chronic health conditions. Just as hunger is harmful to health, so too is nutritious food a key to healthy development.

In her role as the senior health and research advisor for the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), Dr. Fiechtner conducts an annual statewide survey on food access and equity. As the first food bank in the country to hire a medical director on staff and establish a Health and Research team, GBFB hopes that Dr. Fiechtner’s research will persuade politicians, health plans, providers and citizens to tackle this serious issue of food insecurity among our neighbors. Learn more about the hunger epidemic plaguing the US and Massachusetts now and efforts to end hunger now.

Winter Walkers Brave Snow to Raise $16,000 & Counting!

TBE Winter Walkers, led by Bud Schram and Eric Hochberg, didn’t have it easy Sunday, Feb. 9th. Many of them had to shovel themselves out of their driveways first! A winter storm hit the evening before and left its mark. Nonetheless, 21 TBE members showed up to walk and raised $16,000 and counting. As of this writing, TBE is listed as the fourth highest fundraiser for the 2025 Winter Walk.

CONGRATULATIONS TBE WINTER WALK TEAM!

Mitzvah Opportunities!

1. Attend the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization’s Delegates Assembly • March 3rd

TBE will be joining 52 other congregations to begin to organize for social justice!

What is the purpose of the March Delegates Assembly?

To bring leaders across GBIO together in community at this time when so much about our common life is at risk, and when GBIO power is needed in our longterm fight for justice and the common good

To discuss and agree on a plan to build our skills and relationships within and across the congregations and organizations that are part of GBIO

To identify leaders who want to work together on GBIO “legacy issues” under threat (e.g. health care, criminal justice and housing), or form mutual support networks of GBIO congregations who are leading on other issues.

Contact Amy Benjamin at a.benjamin@comcast.net

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2. Write your legislators! — Advocate for Food Equity and Access

Greater Boston Food Bank's annual report on Food Equity and Access underscores the disproportionate rate of food insecurity among communities of color. One in three households in MA report food insecurity, but that statistic climbs to 48% of Black households with children. This means that a child was hungry, skipped a meal, or didn't eat for a full day because there wasn't enough money for food. Even among those receiving government subsidies like WIC and SNAP benefits, 68% are still considered food insecure!

Ending hunger remains a priority advocacy issue for the Racial Justice Initiative as we will continue to support Project Bread's Make Hunger History campaign to keep free school breakfasts and lunches; support TBE Table's delivery of meals for Trotter school families; and partner with other TBE groups on community service opportunities at the Greater Boston Food Bank. AND NOW we have immediate actions for your attention. 1) Write to your US Representative and Senators imploring them to protect SNAP and other food assistance programs from impending budget cuts. See MAZON for more information; 2) Advocate for funding of MEFAP (Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program) in the FY2026 budget. CLICK PDF BELOW TO WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS

For more information, contact Eric Ruder or Ediss Gandelman

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3. Volunteer for Wellesley A Better Chance

Would you like to make a difference in the life of a young woman of color? Wellesley A Better Chance (ABC), a residential scholarship program for young women of color to attend Wellesley High School, seeks volunteers in many different roles, with a variety of commitment levels, to keep our 53 year old racial justice program running strong! We currently need help with math tutoring, driving, publicity, candidate selection, house maintenance, fundraising and financial management (treasurer). In August 2025 we will need additional Host Families and Academic Advisors.

CLICK HERE for a full list and descriptions of ABC volunteer opportunities.

Jewish in the Heart of the Nation: Our trip to Washington DC

Uncertainty of what a visit to the nation’s capital would evoke, 21 TBE congregants traveled to Washington, D.C. on a trip that was designed to focus on the intersection of our Jewish and American identities and racial justice. What we discovered was the real-life disruption that so many in Washington are experiencing where almost everyone works for or provides services to Government workers. Read our BLOG about this inspirational journey!

Temple Beth Elohim | tbewellesley.org/RJI