HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Senior Airmen Jacob and Melissa Haseker are making a difference for Team Hanscom families by organizing a free monthly produce drive-up event outside the base chapel.
The couple, both recently selected for staff sergeant, drew inspiration for the program from a food distribution effort they participated in while stationed in Florida.
“At Hurlburt Field, they had a food drive where you could just come pick up fresh meats, breads and produce,” said Melissa, 66th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight technician. “When we got here, we realized how far you have to drive to get food off base, so we wanted to bring something similar to Hanscom.”
After calling around for support, the Hasekers connected with the Greater Boston Food Bank, which referred them to the Veterans Administration in Bedford, Massachusetts.
“They’ve been an incredible help,” said Jacob, Electronic Systems staff support. “The VA volunteers love working with us every month, and this way we’re able to bring food directly onto base.”
What started last fall delivering produce door-to-door has since evolved into a drive-through model. Each month, volunteers distribute roughly 400 pounds of fresh produce from the chapel parking lot.
“We started out delivering to about 25 families,” said Melissa. “Now we’re serving around 75 to 90 families each month.”
The effort has grown to include a permanent food pantry inside the chapel stocked with shelf-stable items, much of it donated by families leaving Hanscom AFB. The couple also sets aside boxes of produce for dorm residents and Child Development Center staff members unable to attend the drive-up.
The Hasekers say their motivation comes from personal experience.
“In Florida, even as dual military, we lived paycheck to paycheck. Having that extra food really helped,” said Melissa. “I want to pay it forward and instill in my daughters the idea of always leaving a place better than when you found it.”
Jacob added that the program also addresses the high cost of living in the region.
“Around here, if you go off base, you can leave with just a few items and a huge bill,” he said. “Even though it’s just produce, it gives families a healthy option.”
The distribution is open to anyone with base access and runs every third Thursday of the month at the chapel parking lot.