It goes without saying that Southborough is an affluent town. In 2005, the last year for which numbers are available, the average income in Southborough was about $170K. That’s 2.5 times the Mass average. From January to September 2008, the average selling price of a home in Southborough was $627K. Southborough has 1 luxury car for about every 7 people (including kids). Surrounding towns boast similar numbers.
So it would be easy to assume that poverty isn’t an issue in this area, but it is. Local food banks are seeing increased demand, trust funds are offering financial assistance to residents in need. The Southborough food bank alone serves 26 families and 13 singles, 39% of whom are children and 16% of whom are over age 65.
When we talk about poverty in our area, we’re not talking about people who are unemployed and living on the streets. We’re talking about working families who are struggling to make ends meet. We’re talking about your neighbors.
With economic conditions as they are, now is a good time to be thinking about your neighbors in need. So, this week I will take the small step of dropping off a bundle of food at the Southborough Food Bank. What will you do to help? Here are some links to get you started.
Southborough Food Bank
Worcester County Food Bank
Project Bread
