“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, immigrants, low-income families, veterans and individuals struggling with unemployment, homelessness, addiction and mental illness. 95% of those we serve identify as Latiné. Many are recent immigrants and are ineligible for SNAP or CARE Act benefits. Other guests do not qualify at other non-profits due to their income.
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 and live in a food desert.
1 out of 4
Residents live below
the poverty line.
60%
Of our patrons do not qualify or receive state and federal assistance.
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!"
