“Bread & Roses entails a group of people who embody the idea of 'others first.'
- Volunteer Ronan F.
OUR MISSION
Bread & Roses’ mission is to address the core necessities of the Merrimack Valley’s community members with a holistic and welcoming approach focusing on food insecurity and promoting self empowerment.
Our Values
We Proudly Serve Everyone.
We strive to remove barriers to the health and wellness of the most vulnerable and underserved members of our community, including: seniors, veterans, immigrants, low income families, and individuals struggling with unemployment, homelessness, addiction and mental illness. 70% of those we serve are Latinx. Many are recent immigrants ineligible for SNAP or CARE Act benefits.
We do not require ID, referrals or paperwork to access our services.
We Fight Hunger & Hardship in Lawrence
3 out of 4
Residents are facing
food insecurity.
1 out of 4
Residents live below
the poverty line.
40%
Of residents are immigrants, and
many are ineligible for SNAP.
Our History
Bread & Roses was founded in 1980 by a group of individuals who saw the growing need for a community food effort in Lawrence. From such humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a robust community network assisting thousands in need.
Bread & Roses is inspired by the 1912 Lawrence Mill Strike song - singing of the courageous women calling for bread for their families. Our name conveys our solidarity with all who struggle for food and dignity in their lives.
For the people hear us singing:
"Bread and Roses! Bread and Roses!
Hearts starve as well as bodies;
Give us bread, but give us roses!"
