Charles River Community Health’s Mobile Market Goes “Drive-Thru” to Promote Social Distancing

Photo courtesy of Charles River Community Health © Bruce Wahl 2020

Charles River Community Health (CRCH) hosted a mobile market in April. State representative Jonathan Hecht of Watertown (wearing the light red baseball cap in the back row) and Jennifer Migliore (front left with oranges shoe laces) of Representative Michael Moran’s office, worked with CRCH CEO Liz Browne (green shirt front row) and members of the Charles River staff and Community Health Team, to distribute more than 200 boxes of fresh produce to local families donated by Greater Boston Food Bank. Patients were able to pick up their pre-packed boxes without leaving their cars in this drive-through event, designed to help promote social distancing. #ABCares

Our patients have been particularly hard hit during the economic crisis that accompanies this COVID-19 pandemic. Before, many were working two jobs and still living paycheck to paycheck. In 2019, 71% were at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level*; 40% were insured by Medicaid or other public sources, and 34% were uninsured. Now, during this crisis, some have little or no access to income, and food insecurity is becoming a significant issue.

We are collecting gift cards from area food markets, including Star Market, Shaw’s, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, and Russo’s. We are also collecting N95 masks. Please drop off gifts cards and masks at our Brighton or Waltham entrances during our open hours‡ so that our nurses and community health staff can add them to our inventory for distribution. Make sure to provide your name and email or mailing address so that we can send a thank-you acknowledging your generosity! You can also mail them to: Charles River Community Health COVID-Donations Attn: Berlineda Pierre, Community Health Coordinator 495 Western Avenue | Brighton, MA 02135

*In 2019, the FPL was $25,750 a year for a family of four

‡Brighton drop-off hours – Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm, pharmacy entrance Western Ave. Waltham drop-off hours – Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 5 pm