Letter to the Editor: Y2Y's Food Donations

To the editor:

Y2Y Harvard Square, a program of the Phillips Brooks House Association, is a student-run shelter for young adults ages 18-24. We are made up of over 200 students, many of whom are involved in social justice causes on campus and beyond, including advocating on behalf of the Harvard University Dining Services workers in their negotiations with Harvard University.

In reference to the article published in The Crimson on Friday, we wanted to take the opportunity to clarify our relationship with our partners on Harvard’s campus, and the impact the strike is having on our operations. As a program of PBHA, a separately incorporated non-profit organization recognized by Harvard College, we have been the recipients of generous support from Harvard University, in the form of food from HUDS donated through Food for Free. This has come in addition to significant donations of kitchen equipment, which allowed us to open our doors in December of last year. Y2Y recognizes that the ongoing negotiations, and the amount of food available for donation are outside of HUDS’ control. We are deeply thankful for their continuing partnership.

Food for Free, a Cambridge-based nonprofit organization that provides food to a range of local human service agencies, contacted us immediately upon learning about potential challenges with their anticipated donation. We are incredibly grateful to Food for Free and the many other community members who have worked tirelessly to provide alternative food sources, and our shelves are fully stocked in preparation for when we open our doors for the winter tomorrow night.

We are committed to serving our guests during this challenging time, and look forward to a successful resolution of negotiations, to continue our immensely productive and collaborative relationship with HUDS and Food for Free.

Anais M. Carell ’17, an applied math concentrator in Mather House, is the administrative director of Y2Y Harvard Square. She writes on behalf of Y2Y Harvard Square's staff.