Commonwealth of MA United Ways Receive $1.5 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending to Support Children and Families Across Massachusetts

United is the Way to Family Economic Mobility

Hyannis, MA – Working with United Ways throughout the state, the Cape and Islands United Way is collaborating to strengthen family economic mobility across Massachusetts as part of a $1.5 million federal investment focused on addressing food insecurity and connecting families to resources for longer-term support.

The Massachusetts United Ways Family Economic Mobility Proposal received $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, with support from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey. The federal award is administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

Through this collaborative effort, United Ways across the state will work within their individual communities to strengthen economic stability for low-income children and families. The investment will help alleviate food insecurity through the purchase and distribution of food and nutritional assistance while connecting families with resources that can provide longer-term support.

“When Massachusetts families are in need, they know that they can turn to their local United Way. That is why I joined with Senator Elizabeth Warren to secure $1.5 million in Senate funding to support United Ways across our Commonwealth in responding directly to the needs in their cities and towns; because no one knows our communities better than those who live, work, and serve within them,” said U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, “From meeting immediate nutritional needs to connecting individuals and families with resources for their long term success, our partners at the United Way are stepping up, and we are proud to step up for them.”

“No parent should have to worry about how they’ll feed their children or where to turn for support. This $1.5 million will help families put food on the table and connect them with resources for a more secure future. I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars home to Massachusetts and make sure our families have the support they deserve," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“Every family deserves to know where their next meal is coming from,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know high grocery costs are putting pressure on families, and we’re committed to making sure everyone in Massachusetts has access to the food and support they need. This $1.5 million investment will help 13 local United Ways put food on the table and connect families with resources to get ahead. I’m grateful to Senators Warren and Markey for securing this funding and to our United Way partners for the important work they do every day.”

While united around a common goal, each participating United Way will use its portion of the investment based on the needs of its community and within the federal guidelines. This local approach allows United Ways to build trusted community relationships and work alongside partners already serving children and families.

On the Cape and Islands, the funding will be invested in two ways: providing $100 grocery store gift cards, as well as with cash grants. Working with partners and collaborators, the Cape and Islands United Way will impact areas most in need.

“This comes at such an important time, as people begin to gather with family and friends at the holidays and food is such an important part of that experience,” said Mark Skala, president/CEO of the Cape and Islands United Way. “This critical funding allocated to the Cape and Islands neighbors in need will make such an impact.”

Across the Commonwealth, this work reflects the strength of the United Way network: local organizations responding to the distinct needs of their communities while working collectively toward greater family economic mobility.

Local solutions. Statewide collaboration. Stronger families and communities. United is the Way.

About Commonwealth of MA United Ways

The Commonwealth of MA United Ways (COMUW) brings together United Ways serving communities across Massachusetts. Through collaboration, shared learning and local leadership, participating United Ways connect people and resources to address community needs and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.