We launched our first community program in collaboration with 508 C.H.E.E.R.S. by giving out over 150 free lunches at the Worcester Out to Lunch Festival on Wednesday July 8th. We're returning on July 15th, 22nd, and 29th to do even more good, and we need your help!

Help us get to 400 meals this week!

We launched our We All Deserve To Eat nutrition support and food access initiative because it's the most immediate need for supporting trauma recovery and executive functioning in our community. This initiative is founded on three urgent needs we've identified in our community:

When our bodies aren't able to get enough nutrition, our brains struggle to perform. Hunger and food insecurity add cognitive load and stress that makes it harder to think clearly, plan, focus our attention, or adapt to challenges. In Worcester county, more than 100,000 families and individuals are struggling to get enough to eat. And everyone is struggling with rising food costs and grocery bills.
When we feel excluded from or unwelcome at community events, it damages the neural connections that we need to feel safe and supported. Social engagement isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a basic survival need. Without it, our bodies and brains are more likely to experience trauma and executive dysfunction. And since so many of our residents are still waiting to receive the help they need, we can't afford to do more damage while they wait.
We're actively fighting some of the dis- and misinformation that the current administration is circulating as part of our fight for nutrition justice. The MAHA movement is putting out inaccurate and shame-based nutrition guidance that isn't supported by evidence or research, and some advice that can actively harm children and individuals who have common health issues. Our nutrition guides were created with evidence-based approaches that support executive functioning, improve nutritional insight, and help prevent disordered eating.

What are we doing?

This July, we're providing free lunches to anyone who needs them in collaboration with 508 C.H.E.E.R.S. at the Worcester Out to Lunch Festival on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. No applications, no eligibility requirements, no hoops to jump through. Our goal is to give out at least 1,000 meals across the four dates.

In addition to providing free meals, we're providing free resources to families and individuals who are struggling with food access and nutrition for any reason, including the We All Deserve To Eat Workbook.

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

Because everyone deserves to feel welcome and included at events in their community even when they don't have money to spend. We're making sure everyone who wants or needs hydration, a meal, or help accessing food resources is able to get what they need so that they can still enjoy community events.

How your donation helps

Larger contributions allow us to purchase in bulk and combine donated food and supplies, but every dollar we raise makes an enormous impact in the community.

$10 = 5 free meals
$25 = 12 free meals
$50 = 30 free meals
$100 = 75 free meals

Just like last week, we'll still do as much as we can with whatever we get, and we'll never give out fewer than 150 meals no matter what. Every dollar goes directly toward food, materials, and resource development for the launch and beyond. TEFI is a federally recognized 501(c)(3), so all donations are tax-deductible.

Have a business? Sponsor our resource guide and do even more good!

We want to print our resource guide and get it to as many Worcester County residents as possible this summer. You can help us do more good and get some recognition for your support by helping us with the cost of printing.

$250 = Your logo featured in the resource guide on a special gratitude page
$500 = Half-page sponsor acknowledgment featuring your logo, business name, website, and a brief description, plus logo placement on our tents and banners at WOTL

TEFI is a federally recognized 501(c)(3). Sponsorships are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can't donate right now?

You can still help! We're trying to get our workbook and resource guide into the hands of everyone that needs it.

Share a link to the Root Systems program page with your social networks: https://tefinstitute.org/programs/root-systems
Share a link to this donation page with someone you think would like to support us: https://givebutter.com/we-all-deserve-to-eat

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.

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 several local nonprofits like The CASA Project Worcester and 508 C.H.E.E.R.S. 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 executive dysfunction. 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 TEFI's first community-based program designed to address immediate and basic needs like nutrition, stable housing, clothing, education, and economic opportunity.

We All Deserve To Eat: Free meals and resources for anyone who needs it at Worcester Out To Lunch

Help Root Systems reach even more children, families, and individuals in need this summer