Neighbors and Friends,

I have a very simple mission and a very simple ask. I want to make sure people are fed.

I’ve built a career and a small business around culinary experiences and providing food that highlights my passion and creativity to locals, visitors, and clientele in further reaches. Southern Berkshire County is my home and has been the strongest pillar in what I have built. This community has supported me since childhood when my family faced my leukemia diagnosis at age 5 and caring people organized a first rate carnival to raise money for our medical costs. They support me still today through the kindest word of mouth and referrals whenever someone is seeking a chef and that alone has cleared the path to my making a living.

I know this place is special. I know the people here are special. I know that I need to give back.

More and more, I struggle with the fact that my services are purely luxury. I work hard, I believe I deserve compensation in measure with the quality of what I provide, but I can’t disregard the disparity involved in what it is I do, compared with the reality of food insecurity in this region.

I am not going to mention the specific circumstances that have gotten us to the issue at hand because it doesn’t matter. Or better stated, it’s too late to fix the problem through analysis of what went wrong. If you’re paying attention you already know.

The reality of this moment is that people are about to go hungry. People you know. People In Great Barrington, Sheffield, South Egremont, New Marlborough… People are about to face cold weather heating costs and have to decide if their families will be cold or be hungry. Some will face both.

I know that many of us give generously to established organizations and that credentialed programs are more likely to garner support, but I’m going to appeal to you all today to support a more simplistic approach. I want to buy supermarket gift cards to give to people in need. Immediately, as much as possible, without the need for anyone to jump through hoops made of red tape.

I am offering my word as personal friend to many of you and a loyal member of this community (and necessary or available documentation) that anything you donate will go towards the purchase of supermarket gift cards.

I will dole out these cards to those in need to prevent; as many people going hungry or making inhumane choices to feed themselves and their children, as possible. I know off hand at least ten WORKING families who are facing a reality that feels like being kicked while already down.

I will not be able to provide information about recipients.

You only have my word that I will get grocery money into the hands of those in need.

Please consider donating.

Thank You,

Megan Lawrence