Most of us are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, we don't typically associate breast cancer with hunger in the community.

When Gloria was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, shortly after losing her job as a social worker, Community Servings' meals were a blessing for her.

"Financially, the meals supplemented my income. I also needed the meals to maintain my overall health during treatments. I was so weak from radiation and chemotherapy that even taking food out of the bags was difficult," said Gloria. 

Often times our clients struggling with breast cancer are too sick to access and prepare healthy meals, or lack the financial resources necessary to afford healthy food. More than half of our breast cancer clients live below the poverty level.

Last year Community Servings delivered over 30,500 meals throughout Massachusetts to homebound women with breast cancer, their children, and caregivers. Every day in our kitchen, we create high-quality, medically-tailored meals that meet the special dietary needs of our critically ill neighbors. In fact, 69% of our clients with breast cancer receive a modified, "special diet" due to a secondary illness or dietary restriction.

We also provide "care packages" that contain foods and beverages that are easy to eat, which are helpful to have nearby when clients are feeling too nauseous or weak to sit down for a meal. They provide calories and fluids to help the client keep up their strength and maintain hydration when they're not feeling well enough to have a meal. 

Components of a Care Package:

Saltines
Raisins
Black Tea
Green Tea

The meals we provide to those struggling with breast cancer can assure better health outcomes, independence, and an improved quality of life.

As Gloria said, "I am working to regain my independence. For this reason, in January of 2014, I decided to stop receiving my meal service. The meals were wonderful when I needed them. The whole agency touches our lives in a way that no one can explain, except us."