Why we started unity Provisions

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Hi I'm Ryan, Founder of Unity Provisions! As a child, I often worried where my next meal would come from, especially after my dad was laid off. To prevent others from facing similar struggles, I volunteered at a local food program, until it was unfortunately shut down. This opened my eyes to how many programs were getting shut down every day, so I founded Unity Provisions (UP), a student-led nonprofit adding food collection programs into schools and community centers. Collecting nearly 700 pounds of food for the Food banks all over Greater Boston since October 2024. 

Through my work recruiting and planning with volunteers, we have expanded to 30 schools across 6 countries. I have even reached out to the Wang YMCA, who generously hosts our program and taught us the ropes of running a food program, helping us reach even more people in need.

Our mission at Unity Provisions is to teach students how to set up donation centers around the world targeting food insecurity, led by dedicated student leaders who share my passion to supporting those in need. 

Future goals for Unity Provisions includes utilizing APIs to map donation centers around the world, increasing accessibility; diversifying the types of food available in food banks, and increasing donations of pet food, ensuring that no member of the community—human or animal—is left behind. 

We also currently have plans for advocating about the cause with at the YMCA Cancer event featuring public figures like Mayor Michelle Wu. Through Unity Provisions, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.