(BOSTON 10/23/2024) — Today, elected officials and community members joined volunteers and staff to cut the ribbon on the new Central Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc. facility in Millbury, Massachusetts. This celebration symbolically marks the introduction of a new community center dedicated to Veterans of all branches of the United States Military, providing necessities such as food, clothing, comfort care, and other essentials.
Located on Route 146 in Millbury, CMVSI has already served 50,000 pounds of food to nearly 400 families in the Worcester area since its opening in June. $1 million in funding for the facility was secured by Senator Michael Moore in An Act Relative to Immediate COVID-19 Recovery Needs, Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2021.
“Our military Veterans face a disproportionate rate of food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness. We owe better to the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect the ideals of our nation,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased to have secured $1 million through the Legislature to help make sure no Veteran or their family has to go hungry, and I could not be more thrilled to celebrate this new Central Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc. facility with all of the other leaders who helped make it a reality. I am hopeful that efforts to create support systems like these for our Veterans will continue throughout the Commonwealth and across the nation.”
"As someone who grew up in a military family, the Millbury Veterans Support Center is incredibly meaningful to me. It's spaces like these that serve as a place for veterans and their families to come together and connect about shared experiences, while also providing food and resources to those who need it most," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "I'm proud to be here today and proud of our administration's commitment to veterans. We've made significant progress in the way we support our military community, from signing the HERO Act to launching a campaign aimed at ending veteran homelessness. We look forward to continuing on this work and on supporting more projects like this one."
"This ribbon-cutting is more than just the opening of a building—it’s an investment in the dignity, well-being, and future of those who have served," said Executive Office of Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago. "When federal, state, and local leaders work hand in hand with nonprofits, we create more than facilities—we create opportunities for veterans and their families to thrive. This center is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together in support of our veterans."
State Representative Paul Frost (R-Auburn) commented, “I’m proud to have an organization like Central Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc. here in Millbury helping to make a difference in the wellbeing of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country and protecting our way of life. The new facility in Millbury is a vital resource for addressing the needs of military personnel in the communities I represent and beyond, and I commend the efforts of this local non-profit in giving back to those who have already given so much for us.”
“The CMVSI Veterans Food Pantry was established with a vision to support all currently serving military personnel and Veterans in Central Massachusetts,” said AnnMarie Baxter, Executive Director of Central & Western Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc. “From the outset, our mission has been to provide first-class, streamlined pantry services to Veterans, ensuring that they are accessible when needed most. Thanks to the invaluable support of our state government partners and the local community, we are bringing that vision to life. Veterans can visit us once a week to shop for groceries, personal care items, clothing, and take part in various seasonal programs. It is crucial that we recognize, address, and meet the challenges faced by our Veteran community with dignity and a holistic approach.”
The food pantry at CMVSI is open to any individual who is currently a member of the military or who has served in the past. Proof of military service, such as DD214 form or a driver’s license that denotes military service, is required for a short registration process on the first visit – on following visits, individuals are only required to provide their last name. After entering the food pantry, Veterans may shop for anything they need including pantry staples, frozen foods, fresh produce, household goods, and more. After they are finished, their groceries are weighed before the individual may take them home, free of charge. Eligible individuals may visit once per week.
The development of Central Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc’s Millbury facility was funded by the Massachusetts Legislature and was supported with donated time and equipment from corporate partners. CMVSI’s food pantry and other programs are supported on an ongoing basis by the Commonwealth as well as by community and corporate partners.
Veterans who are in need of assistance can visit CMVSI at 135 Worcester Providence Turnpike in Millbury, Massachusetts. The facility is open from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. More information can be found on their website.
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