PAMANA Cares Supports Filipino Families Facing Rising Food Costs Across New England

Grant support from The Boston Foundation strengthened culturally responsive relief efforts

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: info@pamanainc.org

[BOSTON, Mass.] — The Philippine American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Associations (PAMANA) has long supported Filipino households facing food insecurity through its PAMANA Cares initiative. This year, recent SNAP disruptions and rising food costs made that support even more critical, prompting the organization to expand culturally responsive food relief across New England.

“Recent SNAP disruptions highlighted challenges many Filipino families were already navigating,” said Jelyn Masa, chair of PAMANA. “PAMANA Cares ensured our community did not fall further behind and that families received support that respected both their needs and our culture.”

Funded by The Boston Foundation through a $25,000 Safety Net Grant and a $10,000 grant from the Meeting the Moment: Sustaining Families initiative, PAMANA Cares delivered 91 packages of assistance across Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The organization partnered with Filipino-owned grocery stores Sure Pinoy in Quincy, Pinoy Republic in Worcester, Asian Food Mart in Holbrook and Lola’s Asian Mart in Raynham, as well as the Philippine Society of Boston College. By sourcing food from these community-based markets, PAMANA ensured families received familiar ingredients while also supporting small businesses navigating rising costs.

Care packages included staple items commonly found in Filipino kitchens, such as rice, canned fish and noodles. For families, the support provided not just nourishment, but stability and cultural connection during a period of financial strain.

For more information, visit www.pamanainc.org.

About PAMANA

Philippine American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Associations (PAMANA) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Filipino culture and supporting Filipino families across New England through cultural programming, education and community service initiatives.