I Want To Acknowledge Nantucket's Community Spirit

To the editor: Nantucket’s community spirit - our instinct to care for one another - shines clearly as we settle into the off season. This special community spirit isn’t found at a fancy festival; it is found in everyday moments - at school pick up, at the pharmacy, in the grocery store, in a neighbor’s driveway.

I want to acknowledge this Nantucket spirit, as it shows up daily in the work of our diligent partners in the food security sector; friends who work quietly each week to ensure families and children have what they need. These kind humans each play a vital role - the Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, NPS school nutrition teams, and our WIC office to name a few. Our Hospital and Family Resource Center staff (and many others) provide essential, accessible support free from stigma, helping families navigate SNAP, WIC, and other referrals. The warm, caring spirit of these individuals can mean everything to someone in crisis. I appreciate each of you.

A significant bright spot this year for Nourish Nantucket was realizing the dream of acquiring a permanent home for food security. This collaboration is a shining example of how Nantucket addresses community needs - in collaboration. I am thankful for the Land Bank, NFFRA/Pantry, the Interfaith Council, and our other community partners, with whom we are working on long-term solutions to strengthen the island’s food security system.

At Nourish Nantucket, I’m especially fortunate to work alongside dedicated staff, board members, advisors, volunteers, and supporters. Nourishment is about human connection - a warm smile, a brief conversation, a moment of care. When we’re handing out meals or grocery cards, we see that spirit in action.

Asking for help takes courage. That our neighbors feel able to reach out for support is a reminder of why so many of us choose to live here. The high cost of living and seasonal economy present real challenges, but for those of us here year-round, this is the time to lean into our greatest strength: one another.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to this shared effort. It is an honor to do this work in community with all of you.

Warmly,

Meg Browers
Executive Director, Nourish Nantucket