Community Servings Expands Population

Community Servings delivers free meals to individuals and families with acute life-threatening illnesses in the greater Boston area. Established in 1990 to serve those living with HIV/AIDS, the program was expanded in June of 2004 to include individuals and families struggling with any typeof acute life-threatening illness, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and lupus. In addition to their regular meals, they provide 28 special diets to meet diverse dietary needs.

Eligibility is based on the client’s mobility-level and severity of illness. There is no income limit. The client’s doctor or nurse must complete a certification form, which establishes the client’s acute life-threatening illness and assesses a client’s need based on health and functional status. Clients must also submit signed paperwork and, though not used to determine eligibility, income verification is required.. Community Servings covers the following cities/towns: Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Somerville, Weymouth, or Winthrop.

Meals are delivered Monday through Saturday. Depending on where a client lives, he/she may be have the option to chose between daily or weekly meal delivery. The client or a family member must be home to receive their meals. If this is not possible the client may designate an alternative place (e.g., a neighbor’s house) where meals can be delivered or may opt to pick up their meals at Community Servings. More information and the application forms are on the “Staff Access” area of the Social Services website (www.mghsocialwork.org > Community Resource Center > Basic Needs > Nutrition). If you have additional questions, or you would like to refer a client, contact Carolyn Smith, Community Servings Client Services Coordinator, at (617) 445-7777.

03/2005