Amber Bhatnagar/Correspondent
Wicked Local
To say the partnership between Cambridge s restaurants and homeless shelters has been a success would be an understatement, according to city officials.
Over 130,000 meals have been distributed to those in need with nearly $1 million put back in the pockets of struggling restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite original plans to halt the program last year, Cambridge has extended the meal program “with no end date in mind” until the pandemic is over, according to Matt Nelson, assistant to the city manager, community relations.
The City Manager s Office started the program in March 2020, contracting local restaurants to prepare and distribute food to homeless shelters in Harvard and Central squares a win-win for everyone, according to Nelson.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on small businesses in Harvard Square, many have found themselves relying on supportive patrons and financial support from the state government to stay afloat.
Square businesses were able to apply for government funding through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation in January. The $668 million small business package â which Governor Charlie D. Baker â79 announced in late December 2020 â prioritized women- and minority-owned- businesses.
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Michael J. âMikeâ Kennealy wrote in an email that small businesses make up a âfundamental componentâ of the Massachusetts economy.
âAs the largest program of its kind in the country, these grants are vital to supporting small businesses â especially those in communities and neighborhoods that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19,â he wrote.
Matilda Marcus â24 was almost at a loss when describing Datamatch to her friends.
âItâs kind of like Tinder, but only your college, and thereâs a survey,â she said.
They didnât really understand.
Datamatch â a free matchmaking service run by Harvard students â boasted sign ups from more than half of Harvardâs undergraduate population this year.
After filling out a survey and profile, participants can be matched with other students to meet up in person or go on a virtual Zoom date. The program partnered with restaurants near certain college campuses â like Playa Bowls and Black Sheep Bagel Cafe in Harvard Square â to offer students free food on their dates.