After GBH investigation, Steward Healthcare pays $100,000 owed to meal voucher program

A local nonprofit in the midst of Steward Healthcare's financial crisis is celebrating the unexpected arrival of a critical grant from the Steward-owned hospital.

Earlier this month, a GBH survey found that St. Elizabeth Medical Center, one of nine Steward facilities in Massachusetts, was the most popular at the Brighton Farmers Market, operated by the Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative. was found to have signed a written contract to pay for the meal voucher program. The hospital had promised to pay $150,000 over three years starting in 2022, but when payment time came, the check never arrived and the hospital stopped communicating with the nonprofit.

Leaders of the Allston-Brighton Health Collaborative feared they would be forced to cancel the voucher program due to deficits when farmers markets reopened this year. However, funding was realized after GBH was reported.

“Since this story, we have received $100,000 from St. Elizabeth's University to support future programs,” said Anna Leslie, executive director of the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative. Ta.

Leslie said the funding will ensure the voucher program is revived this year, providing a lifeline to low-income residents.

“That means fresh fruit and vegetables, processed foods, bread, protein, fish and eggs going to family homes and seniors on fixed incomes,” she said.

The Allston Brighton Health Collaborative is one of several community groups whose support has waned amid Mr Steward's financial woes. The hospital chain has been under intense state scrutiny, with House Speaker Ron Mariano recently telling reporters there was a potential criminal investigation into Steward executives.

Gov. Maura Healey this week harshly criticized the company's CEO, Ralph de la Torre, for not responding to requests for financial statements. The company said it is considering transferring ownership of nine hospitals in Massachusetts and will provide 2022 financial statements to state regulators as soon as possible.