Senator Eldridge and Representatives Benson and Gouveia Secure State Funding for The Discovery Museum and Acton Food Pantry
BOSTON, MA - State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Representatives Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) and Tami L. Gouveia (D-Acton) visited The Discovery Museum and the Acton Food Pantry on Monday, September 30th, to highlight state funding for each non-profit organization.
“Every year, I work with the legislative delegation to ensure the communities in our districts receive the funding they need to provide high-quality services for constituents,” said Representative Benson. “It was wonderful to travel around the district to speak with town officials and local organizations about how they plan to use this funding.”
In the FY19 state budget, the Acton legislative delegation secured a $150,000 earmark for The Discovery Museum to improve Discovery Woods and gardening around the museum, and a $30,000 earmark for the Acton Food Pantry, to upgrade and expand the pantry’s facility. “I was very happy to work with Representatives Benson and Gouveia in providing a boost in funding for The Discovery Museum and the Acton Food Pantry, both of which provide a critical services to the families throughout the Acton Boxborough region, and beyond, whether it’s exploring and learning at the museum, or reducing food insecurity at the pantry,” said Senator Eldridge. As part of a “Big Check Tour,” the first stop was to the Acton Discovery Museum, a hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and fun. A $150,000 check was presented to the CEO, Neil Gordon, and his team.
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Eldridge, Representative Benson, and Representative Gouveia for their ongoing support of the Discovery Museum. This state funding was used to make additional improvements to Discovery Woods, our outdoor nature playscape and treehouse, so that every child— no matter their abilities—can play and learn here. There is a long-term community impact to this support that cannot be understated,” said Neil Gordon. The second stop of the Check Tour was with the Acton legislative delegation. Senator Eldridge and Representatives Benson and Gouveia presented a check for $30,000 to the Acton Food Pantry, which serves over 500 Acton and Boxborough households a year. It is an organization that helps alleviate food-insecurity in Acton and its contiguous towns - Boxborough, Concord, Carlisle, Littleton, Maynard, Stow and Westford. This budget allowed the food pantry to add a walk-freezer, add air conditioning and modern heating, and improve the lobby, to better serve patrons and volunteers.
“I am proud of the work and leadership of the Discovery Museum and Acton Food Pantry in supporting the health and well-being of residents in our region. Acton and our surrounding communities are incredibly grateful for their contributions in building community connections and belonging, addressing food insecurity, and ensuring lifelong learning and development,” said Rep. Tami L. Gouveia.
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