EAST BOSTON, MA — Maverick Landing Community Services (MLCS) officially celebrated the opening of its new Grab & Go Produce Market on July 23, Thursday bringing together more than 70 residents, elected officials, community partners, funders, and volunteers to mark a major milestone in expanding affordable fresh food access and economic opportunity for East Boston families.
The new Grab & Go Produce Market offers a simple, dignified way for residents to access affordable fresh produce and artisan bread while connecting them to a broader network of support services, including housing stability, English classes, workforce development, financial education, and digital literacy.
The celebration featured remarks from Executive Director Rita Lara, State Representative Adrian Madaro, Victor Pelatere from Senator Lydia Edwards’ office, and Gabriella Ramirez from Boston City Councilor Gabriela “Gigi” Coletta Zapata’s office, followed by a citation presentation, a family testimonial, lunch, and guided tours of the new market.
In her remarks, Lara reflected on how the initiative grew from the community’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Six years ago, the pandemic exposed just how fragile food access could be. What began as an emergency response with Fair Foods has grown into a long-term commitment to ensuring every family has access to healthy food with dignity.”
During the pandemic, MLCS partnered with Fair Foods, a 38-year produce rescue organization, to launch four weekly produce markets serving East Boston residents. In 2020 alone, the partnership distributed more than 500,000 pounds of fresh produce throughout the neighborhood.
Since then, MLCS has continued expanding its food access efforts.
Over the past five years, the organization has distributed more than 1.2 million pounds of healthy food in East Boston. Through its expanded regional food rescue operations, MLCS now expects to rescue and distribute more than 1.2 million pounds of fresh produce and artisan bread annually across Greater Boston.
The Grab & Go Produce Market also represents the next chapter in MLCS’s partnership with Fair Foods. As Fair Foods transitions its leadership after nearly four decades of serving Greater Boston, MLCS is helping preserve and strengthen the organization’s legacy by expanding affordable food distribution throughout the region.
Unlike traditional food distribution models, Grab & Go allows residents to place orders in advance by text or online and pick up their food at a convenient time, reducing wait times and creating a more private, welcoming experience for families. All are welcome! Community residents can sign up for Grab & Go at mlcsboston.org.
“This model recognizes that people’s lives are busy and that everyone deserves convenient, respectful access to healthy food,” Lara said. “There are no long lines, no unnecessary barriers—just fresh food and a community that cares.”
The new market is also designed as a flexible community space. Throughout the week, it will serve as a classroom for English language learners, host workforce and job readiness activities, provide digital skills support, and offer arts and community programming.
MLCS estimates that families using the Grab & Go Produce Market can save approximately $5,000 to $7,000 annually on grocery expenses, helping reduce financial pressure while improving access to healthy food.
“Today’s celebration is about much more than opening a market,” Lara said. “It reflects our commitment to listening to our community and building practical, innovative solutions that help people thrive. We hope every resident who walks through these doors finds not only fresh food, but also new opportunities and the support they need to build a stronger future.”
About Maverick Landing Community Services
Founded in 2007, Maverick Landing Community Services (MLCS) is a nonprofit community organization serving East Boston residents by building pathways to stability and opportunity. MLCS provides affordable food access, housing stability services, workforce development, adult education, youth programming, financial education, digital literacy, and community health initiatives. With its food expansion MLCS is serving over 5000 residents per year across Greater Boston and is expected to rescue over 1M lbs of produce in 2026.
