Kicking off our Three-Year, City-wide Food Security Project

CEOC is leading a three-year project to strengthen the local food system, thanks to funding from the Cambridge Community Foundation’s (CCF) Food Access and Security Initiative. 

Along with our partners in the Cambridge Food Pantry Network, we are undertaking a large-scale evaluation and aiming to create a Community Food Hub that offers a grocery-store experience at all existing pantries and uses tight coordination to avoid duplication of services.

“This expert network of partners is working to get at the root of the problem of food insecurity — to both ensure everyone has enough to eat and develop an ecosystem that supports people on a path to economic security,” says Christina Turner, CCF’s director of programs and grantmaking. “Food is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where this project will take Cambridge in the next three years.”

The project is by far the most significant collaboration for the Food Pantry Network has ever undertaken, with a goal of having all systems in place for a 2026 Cambridge Food Security Summit.

60 Years of Community Action Agencies

This year marks six decades since the passing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which has allowed agencies like CEOC to deliver life-changing programs and services for millions of American families. We will be commemorating this important community action milestone throughout the year, along with 22 other Massachusetts Community Action Agencies and more than 1,000 across the country.

Next year, CEOC will celebrate our own 60th anniversary, marking our founding in 1965! (Click here to check out our photo timeline.) Everything we do at CEOC stems from our community action commitment to find and implement solutions to the persistent problem of poverty. Thanks to all of you who honor your own commitment to Cambridge neighbors through your deeds and generosity.

Successful Fresh Pond Resource Fair



More than 60 families attended CEOC’s Resource Fair in January at the Fresh Pond Apartments in North Cambridge. CEOC staff set up 10 tables around the community room, each corresponding to one of our services, then greeted guests and provided information in 9 languages. Thanks to everyone who joined us and to our host, Schochet Companies. 



Free Tax Preparation through June

For over 20 years, CEOC has been offering free income tax preparation to Cambridge residents with annual income below $75,000. This service is offered in Spanish, Amharic, Tigrinya, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and English, through June 28th. Click here for more information and please share with anyone else who qualifies!

Public Policy Update

Over the last three months, CEOC staff have participated in three state public policy events, advocating for policies to close the racial wealth gap, prevent homelessness and food insecurity, lift families out of deep poverty, and more. We know that we cannot end poverty solely through direct services and working within the community; we must also make our voices heard at the state level to advance systemic change. You can read more about CEOC's public policy priorities on our website.