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When the Worcester Railers Score, Our Community Wins

Worcester Railers

Every time the Worcester Railers score a goal at home, the impact reaches far beyond the rink.

For each home goal this season, Central One donates $100 to the Worcester County Food Bank, turning goals into real support for individuals and families across Worcester County. 

Why Food Insecurity Is Rising 

Worcester County is not immune to the economic pressures affecting communities nationwide. Inflation, rising housing costs, and higher prices for everyday essentials have made it increasingly difficult for many households to keep up. According to Feeding America, food insecurity in Worcester County has risen from 67,000 people in 2019 to 97,000 people today, highlighting a growing and urgent need for support. 

On the Front Lines of Hunger Relief 

That growing demand is something the Worcester County Food Bank sees every day.  

As Chief Operating Officer at Worcester County Food Bank, Joshua Matthews explains, “We’ve seen the need for our services explode since the COVID-19 pandemic. I think we all know that costs went up, and we have not seen any relief on them going down, and that means a lot of people are really struggling to make ends meet. So that’s when us and our partners come in, and we’re able to provide much-needed food assistance and groceries for individuals and families in need.” 

How the Worcester County Food Bank Delivers Support 

Over the past year, the Worcester County Food Bank distributed 9 million pounds of food, equating to 8.5 million meals throughout the county. Their work is made possible through 98 agency partners, including community meal programs, food pantries, emergency shelters, and domestic violence shelters, all working together to reach people where help is needed most. 

Access to Nutritious Food Matters 

The Food Bank’s mission goes beyond providing shelf-stable items. They prioritize access to lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables, recognizing that many food-insecure individuals also manage food-related conditions like diabetes. With grocery store closures in parts of Worcester and limited access in northern Worcester County, some residents must travel 20 to 40 minutes to reach a store. For seniors, people with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation, this lack of access makes food assistance essential. 

Turning Goals into Meals 

The Railers have scored 36 home goals since Central One began supporting the team in mid-December. With each goal providing 250 meals through the Worcester County Food Bank, every score represents another opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community. That translates to $3,600 donated and the equivalent of 9,000 meals helping fight food insecurity across Worcester Country so far.  

Kim Golinski, President of the Worcester Railers, shared, “This collaboration is about doing good, providing for our community, and standing together to make sure that no one is left behind. It’s proof that when local organizations come together with purpose, the impact reaches beyond any one moment.” 

Community Is at the Heart of It All 

We are proud to partner with the Worcester Railers in the fight against hunger in Worcester County. 

Our philanthropic values align closely with the mission of the Worcester County Food Bank, and working alongside a local hockey team makes this partnership even more impactful. At Central One Federal Credit Union, supporting our neighbors and strengthening our community is who we are, this season and every season.