Health Equity

Through our community-based and culturally relevant approach, we aim to ensure our community is healthy.
La Colaborativa staff holding health kits
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Supporting Healthy Habits 

At La Colaborativa, we believe in the importance of promoting healthy habits. Therefore, it is critical we provide our community with the resources they need to be their very best. We are passionate about promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, and increasing overall wellness and health. 

Food
Providing access to healthier and fresher meal options, promoting food security, and addressing chronic food insecurity to nourish and improve the health of community members.
Nutrition
Offering personalized nutrition counseling and group programs with bilingual registered dietitians to help community members understand their nutritional health and integrate diverse, affordable, and flavorful nutrients into their diets.
Preventative Care
Expanding preventive care through partnerships, such as with Massachusetts General Brigham, to provide culturally supportive healthcare and personalized health plans, particularly for Latinx individuals over 60 facing hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
MassHealth Access
Certified Application Counselors assist community members with MassHealth enrollments to ensure access to vital healthcare services.
Physical Activity
Offering weekly exercise classes, including Zumba, Latin dance, and meditation, to promote physical activity and well-being within the community.
La Colaborativa staff at the food bank

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Angie Coronado

Angie Coronado, MPH

Director of Health Equity
Connect with Angie Coronado, MPH

Food

Our programs encourage healthy eating habits by providing access to healthier and fresher meal options.

Access to food is a human right. Every person who visits our pantry is treated with dignity and respect. Promoting food security and good nutrition are foundational pillars for keeping our residents nourished and healthy. La Colaborativa has developed integrated food security and health equity initiatives that offer comprehensive, systemic solutions. These initiatives address our community’s history of poor health outcomes and chronic food insecurity.

Woman with rice and beans

Weekly Schedule

Sun
To Be Announced
Mon
To Be Announced
Tue
To Be Announced
Wed
Food & Diaper Distribution
4:00pm – 7:00pm
63 Sixth Street
Thurs
To Be Announced
Fri
Food & Diaper Distribution
4:00pm – 7:00pm
63 Sixth Street
MGB Community Care Van
9:00am – 12:30pm
Sat
To Be Announced

Request Food Delivery

Food delivery services are available upon request for families who cannot physically come to the pantry due to health, transportation, or other risk factors.

What’s Available

Each food box is filled with nutritious and culturally familiar foods that can be used to create meals for the entire family. Food boxes vary each week, but a typical box includes milk, bread, meat, fruits and vegetables, cheese, pasta, beans, tomato sauce, rice, oil, sugar, grains, cereal, oatmeal, eggs, waffles, and maseca.

Diapers and baby supplies are distributed every Wednesday and Friday while supplies last. Supplies include diapers, size NB-6, baby wipes, baby formula, baby food, and feminine hygiene products.

Policies & Procedures

Our food pantry is open to all people over the age of 18, regardless of residency status. We do our best to accommodate any special request or dietary needs. Our boxes typically include enough food for a family of four for 2-3 days.

If you have any questions, please call 617.889.6080 to speak with someone from our team about eligibility requirements for specific programs.

To stay update to date on Food Bank hours and news, please visit our Facebook.

Nutrition

Nutrition counseling services aim to support our community members to set priorities, establish goals, and create individualized action plans to help lead a healthy and fulfilled life.

Nutrition counseling is a two-way interaction between community members and our nutritionists. With our registered dietitian’s guidance, patients better understand their current nutritional health status and learn to integrate a diverse range of nutrients into their meals and snacks, emphasizing health, affordability, and flavor. Our bilingual registered dietitians deliver personalized counseling and group programs, available in both Spanish and English, in-person and virtually, ensuring comprehensive support for our members’ health and dietary requirements. Our nutritional plans prioritize foods that bolster health, following a non-diet approach.

Preventative Care

La Colaborativa has pioneered an extensive and impactful strategy for addressing long-term health and preventative care within Chelsea's Latinx community.

In partnership with Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB), we’re expanding preventive care at the Chelsea Survival Center, a crucial resource hub. Given the high prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes among Latinx individuals over 60, accessible healthcare is imperative. Through our collaboration with MGB, community members can access culturally supportive healthcare through personalized health plans. La Colaborativa’s tailored approach distinguishes us as Chelsea’s sole provider of wrap-around services, empowering our community to thrive.

Physical Activity

Staying active is an important part of our health equity programming. Learn more about the wonderful exercise classes we offer our community.

La Colaborativa offers weekly exercise classes for community members. Currently, we host a Zumba class, a Latin dance class, and meditation classes. Stay updated on the latest class schedules by visiting our Facebook.

MassHealth Access

Certified Application Counselors dedicated to facilitating MassHealth enrollments help ensure our community members have access to vital healthcare services.

Our team provides enrollment assistance services and offer guidance on health insurance options through MassHealth, ensuring that individuals and families are informed and empowered to make the best choices for their healthcare needs. We understand the importance of handling sensitive and personal information with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Our counselors are committed to maintaining client confidentiality while facilitating enrollment and providing education on public-funded healthcare programs, including MassHealth. 

Find Assistance

Discover how we can help create a healthier and more fulfilling life for you and your family.

"I am grateful to La Colaborativa for helping me achieve my goals. With their support, I was able to open my own daycare. Owning the daycare brings me immense joy and through their support, I feel prepared for any challenge. I want to thank La Colaborativa's Early Education and Childcare program. Opening my daycare has been a dream come true, and I hope to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams."

Norma Escobar

"I needed a new job and wanted more opportunities, and I realized how important it was to learn English. La Colaborativa’s ESOL courses were very helpful as I started from zero, which has helped open many doors for me. When I came to La Colaborativa, I had just lost my job, and with their guidance, I quickly got a job in just one week at a Dental Clinic!"

Ana Ruth Lobo Zavala

"I was going through some hard times and needed some help… Everyone at La Colaborativa treated me with such respect. I came in needing help, needed a job, and within a matter of minutes, La Colaborativa gave me options and helped open doors."

Eddie Artica
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