Column: Mello-Robinson On Food Insecurity
[Column written by Clare Mello-Robinson]
Every week in Bermuda, hundreds of families quietly line up—not at grocery stores, but at The Eliza DoLittle food pantry. They arrive with dignity and leave with something far more powerful than food: hope.
Food insecurity has become a visible and growing crisis, impacting working parents, seniors, and children across our island. The Eliza DoLittle Society [TEDS] is committed to reducing the cost of living for families by providing a bag of groceries once a week, adjusted to the size of each household. The pantry currently serves approximately 350 households every week. Last year, 790 families made nearly 16,000 visits for groceries. Despite these efforts, more than 40 households remain on our waiting list. These individuals may be your friends, neighbors, or even family.
A Moral Emergency
This situation is more than just a statistic—it is a moral emergency. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and fixed incomes are making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic groceries. For many, our pantry is their only reliable source of food. One single mother of three shared, “I used to skip meals so my kids could eat. Now, I don’t have to.” A senior added, “I never imagined needing help at this stage of life. TEDS gave me dignity, not just food.”
Our Approach: Compassion, Efficiency, and Community Support
With a small team of three, and a dedicated group of volunteers, TEDS operates efficiently, ensuring low overhead and directing as much funding as possible to program services. Founded on the belief that food is a human right, TEDS is driven by compassion, efficiency, and community support. However, compassion alone cannot meet the increasing demand.
What We Need
TEDS needs infrastructure, food, and financial investment. To address this urgent need, we are launching a campaign in January 2026 to raise $100,000—critical funds that will directly support pantry operations and food procurement. These funds will help reduce the waiting list, maintain our weekly service to hundreds of families, and secure a steady supply of essential groceries.
Join Us in Fighting Hunger
We welcome individuals, businesses, schools, and faith communities to stand with us:
- Donate: Every dollar makes a difference—help us nourish more families in need.
- Give Goods: Support our food drive by contributing essential nonperishable items.
- Partner: Corporate collaboration expands our reach and deepens our impact.
- Share the Message: Your voice raises awareness—and awareness drives change.
The Eliza DoLittle Society is more than a food pantry—it’s a cornerstone of hope and resilience in Bermuda. And with the community’s continued support, we can ensure that every family has access to healthy food and the dignity that comes with it.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit www.theelizadolittlesociety.bm.
- Clare Mello-Robinson, Executive Director, The Eliza DoLittle Society
Thank you Eliza DoLittle Society. Your work is invaluable.
I can’t imagine having to feed a family. This organisation, salvation army, meals on wheels, and various community groups play a vital role in keeping people fed – thank you! May I ask a general question? How do these organisations ensure that the people getting the food are the ones who actually need it? vs people who are not prioritising their needs vs wants? There are people who really really need the help and other people who seem to think pretty nails and fancy sneakers are more important that taking responsibility for the basic family fundamentals.
“How do these organisations ensure that the people getting the food are the ones who actually need it?”
There is no way to be certain that only those in desperate need are given food, but there is a social stigma attached to going to such places and that keeps many people away.