Hockey Feeds the Need

The Worcester Railers HC is excited to launch Hockey Feeds the Need, a three-part initiative that will focus on donating meals to frontline workers, stocking local food pantries, and distributing fresh food boxes to residents in need. Special thank you to our partners at Assumption University, Fidelity Bank, Fallon Health, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Advantage Truck Group (ATG).

Food For FrontlinersHockey Checks HungerDrive-Thru Food Box Distribution

PART 1 | Food For Frontliners presented by Assumption University

Restaurant Partners

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Mission: Donate fresh meals to frontline workersDate: January 20-February 24, 2021

Food For Frontliners celebrates the many workers who have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Each week, the Railers will provide essential workers with food from a local restaurant as a thank you for their selflessness and dedication to helping others.

Jan. 20 – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, food from Uno Pizzeria & Grill WorcesterJan. 27 – Oriol Health Care’s Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, food from Bay State Brewing Co.Feb. 3 – Seven Hills Foundation ASPiRE!, food from Jimmy John’s WorcesterFeb. 10 – Worcester County school teachers (SPCC, OLA, Venerini), food from The Mill 185Feb. 11 – Worcester County school teachers (Nativity School, Assumption School in Millbury), food from The Mill 185Feb. 17 – USPS Central Massachusetts Processing & Distribution Center (Shrewsbury), food from Uno Pizzeria & Grill WorcesterFeb. 18 – Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, food from Chick-fil-A WorcesterFeb. 18 – Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, food from Jimmy John’s WorcesterFeb. 24 – Reliant Medical Group COVID-19 testing sites (Auburn, Marlboro & Leominster), food from Peppercorn’s

“Food For Frontliners is a way for Assumption University to support the City of Worcester and its residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As a University that provides a Catholic liberal education, we form our students in recognizing their responsibility to contribute to the common good by serving the members of our community. It is a privilege to join with our partner, the Worcester Railers, to support Food For Frontliners, an opportunity to extend our gratitude to the social workers, postal employees, hospital workers and others who have steadfastly served the community throughout the pandemic. Through this initiative to recognize local heroes, the University carries out its mission to form individuals known for thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service.” 

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.DPresident, Assumption UniversityPreviousNext1234567891011121314

PART 2 | Hockey Checks Hunger presented by Fidelity Bank & Fallon Health

Mission: Stock local food pantriesDate: March 16-April 7, 2021

Hockey Checks Hunger focuses on alleviating food shortages in community pantries throughout Central Mass. Local youth hockey organizations including the Junior Railers HC, Worcester White Hawks, Twin City Hawks, NCMYH Sting, Minuteman Flames, and NorthStars Hockey Club will come together to donate non-perishable food items to be distributed to pantries across the region. The Railers will match the donation with support from Price Chopper/Market 32.

Through the generosity of sponsors including Fidelity Bank and Fallon Health, the Railers will fill the Railers HC Equipment Van presented by Advantage Truck Group (@weknowtrucks) with non-perishables and deliver them to food pantries including Marlborough Community Cupboard, Ginny’s Helping Hand, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, and South Worcester Neighborhood Center.

Get Involved

The community is encouraged to participate in Hockey Checks Hunger. Paper shopping bags provided by Price Chopper/Market 32 will be available to the public for pick-up at the Rail Shop, located at 112 Harding St., Worcester. Contribute a non-perishable food item and receive a 20% discount off a single item in the store. Those who return a full bag will receive 40% off their entire store purchase. Rail Shop hours are Tuesday-Wednesday 4pm-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm.

“No person or family should have to make the choice between eating and paying their bills. We are happy to support the Railers Hockey Checks Hunger program and are committed to addressing this very important and immediate need in the community.” 

Christopher McCarthyPresident & COO, Fidelity Bank

“We have seen the current health care crisis impact the lives of our friends, families and neighbors, many of whom are facing food insecurity for the first time. At Fallon, our mission is making our communities healthy. We are proud to partner with the Railers on this important initiative to help put food on the tables of those in need.” 

Richard BurkePresident & CEO, Fallon HealthPreviousNext123456789101112

PART 3 | Drive-Thru Food Box Distribution in partnership with Massachusetts Military Support Foundation presented by Advantage Truck Group

Pre-Register Here

Mission: Provide food to residents in needDate: February-May 2021

Worcester Railers HC is excited to partner with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSFI) and Advantage Truck Group (ATG) to provide fresh food boxes to both veterans and the general public at the Worcester Railers Distribution Center.

In response to the food insecurity problem posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMSFI has been selected as a distribution partner for the USDA’s Farmers to Families program. The Railers offered the Winter Street parking lot as a local distribution site for the Worcester community. Each week, Railers staff, interns, mascot TRAX, and other community partners volunteer at the site.

The Farmers to Families Food Boxes contain 32 pounds of perishable and non-perishable food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat products. The distribution process follows all COVID-19 health guidelines.

Food boxes are available for pick-up every Wednesday now through the month of June, from 9am-11am in the parking lot adjacent to the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center. Pre-registration is required at mmsfi.org/farmers-to-families.

“Food insecurity is a serious concern for the residents of Central Mass, especially our veterans. The Railers have been an incredible partner in our efforts to distribute thousands of food boxes to those in need.”  

Don CoxPresident & CEO, MA Military Support Foundation

“We are honored to continue our ongoing partnership with the Railers to address food insecurity in our local communities. ATG is grateful for the sacrifices our veterans have made and is proud to support them and those less fortunate through this weekly food distribution program.”  

Kevin HolmesPresident & CEO, Advantage Truck Group (ATG)PreviousNext123456