We're launching our first community program by giving out free lunches at the Worcester Out to Lunch Festival on Wednesday July 8th, 15th, and 29th!

Help us raise our first $1,000 milestone this week!

What is Root Systems?

Root Systems is a program of the Trauma & Executive Functioning Institute (TEFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Worcester, MA. This program is where we address barriers to nutrition, housing, and economic opportunity as trauma and executive functioning concerns. When people can't meet their basic needs, their ability to think clearly, plan ahead, and advocate for themselves is compromised. So we're not asking people to overcome these barriers. We're working to remove them.

We're launching with nutrition support and food access because it's the most immediate need and the most important place to start.

What are we doing?

This July, we're launching Root Systems at the Worcester Out to Lunch Festival on the 8th, 15th, and 29th. We'll be providing free lunches to anyone who needs one. No applications, no eligibility requirements, no hoops to jump through. Our goal is to give out at least 1,000 meals across the three dates.

In addition to providing free meals, we'll be providing free resources to families and individuals who are struggling with food access and nutrition for any reason.

Why at a farmer's market / food truck festival?

Because everyone deserves to participate in community events and feel welcome. Feeding people for free at an event built around commerce means no one has to go hungry or go somewhere separate or stigmatized to eat. We're making sure everyone feels included.

How your donation helps

$3 = 1 free meal $30 = 10 free meals $100 = 33 free meals

Every dollar goes directly toward food, materials, and resources for the launch and beyond. TEFI is a federally recognized 501(c)(3), so all donations are tax-deductible.

Can't donate right now?

You can still help by volunteering at the event or sharing this page. Both go a long way.

Who is TEFI?

The Trauma & Executive Functioning Institute (TEFI) is a new, small nonprofit that's been doing a lot with very little. Since starting up, we've launched the beta test of our primary executive functioning support tool called FunctionalMe in collaboration with FxM Tech Group. We've also partnered with five local nonprofits to develop apps, marketing materials, and websites (all are set to launch this year, keep an eye on our socials for news when these projects go live) that support youth and families navigating trauma (and the typical trials of puberty). And last holiday season we helped make sure that the QCC Human Services Club was able to get gifts to over 200 children of students at the school who needed help making ends meet.

Our mission is to improve daily life through trauma research, public health education, and innovative tools that support stability and functional well-being. We turn evidence into practical solutions that help people heal, learn, connect, and thrive.

Root Systems is our first community-based program designed to address immediate and basic needs like nutrition, stable housing, clothing, education, and economic opportunity.

Root Systems: 1,000 free lunches for kids and families (and anyone else who needs one) this July

A $30 donation feeds 10 people, so every dollar counts