Rep. Silver tells committee Rise Up meal program is expanding amid rising costs

Representative Silver addressed the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee on March 24, highlighting the Rise Up initiative and urging stronger state support for regional transportation and education funding.

Silver recounted that the program served about 600 meals in its first year and roughly 900 the next year. With rising costs, he said his campaign could not accept the corporate donations required, so the Uxbridge Elderly Connection — a nonprofit — will take over operations while his campaign remains a vocal volunteer sponsor. He said corporate donors have stepped up and that the program expects to match or exceed last year’s numbers, noting a current per-meal estimate of about $12.

Why it matters: The program supplies meals to seniors and others facing hardship in the district. Silver urged residents to request meals confidentially if needed and encouraged schools and staff to help identify families who could benefit. He also tied the program message to a larger appeal for education funding, telling the committee he spoke with the House Ways and Means chair about restoring regional transportation funding and advocating for increased education investment in the state budget.

Silver said the district should pursue a Statement of Interest for major capital projects and offered his office’s help navigating the state process. He closed by thanking Chair Jane Reggio for her service to the district.

The district will coordinate packaging and volunteer logistics for the Rise Up distribution, with reusable totes used this year and drive-through distribution planned; the Uxbridge Elderly Connection will accept donations via a link shared on Silver’s page.