Letter to the editor: many in Wellesley “struggle with finding nutritious and affordable food”

Editor’s note: Wellesley Middle School Social Studies students as part of a Civics Action Project have this week taken over The Swellesley Report‘s letters-to-the-editor page. The students are well-versed in their topics, have carefully researched all angles, and are ready to present their opinions to the community. Thank you to the WMS Social Studies teachers for organizing this community-based project.

To the editor:

There is a food insecurity problem in Wellesley. While many people regard Wellesley as an affluent town, many people in our community still struggle with finding nutritious and affordable food. In Norfolk county alone, one in five people are food insecure. In Massachusetts, one in three adults is food insecure as well!

The cost of living in Wellesley is 94% higher than the national average, which puts many low-income families in a bad position. Housing is 315% higher, stretching the budgets of many people, leaving less money for food.

The grocery store prices in Wellesley is one of the root causes of this issue. Out of 4 major grocery store chains in Massachusetts, Wellesley is home to the two most expensive ones—Whole Foods and Roche Bros. Even though there are many grocery stores outside of Wellesley that are much cheaper, many families struggle with transportation, since the cost of gas in Wellesley is $3.82 per gallon whereas the average cost of gas in the USA is $3.20.

Our goal is to raise awareness of this perennial problem in our community. There are many local food banks and pantries that can help people in need, such as the Wellesley Food Pantry and Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton. Even small donations can help greatly, as lots of people are in need. What would you do if you were put in that situation? Being food insecure is a problem that can affect all facets of your life.

If you want to help out, please contact the Wellesley Food Pantry. And here are ten ways you can help fight food insecurity.

Another way to help is by putting flyers out in your community!

Sincerely,

Gus Reynolds
Caroline Rodman
Charlotte Liberles