Bread of Life's Gabriella Snyder Stelmack Named Commonwealth Heroine

BOSTON—Malden resident Gabriella Snyder Stelmack, who serves as the executive director of Bread of Life, was recently recognized as a 2024 Commonwealth Heroine. She was nominated for this honor by State Senator Jason Lewis. Commonwealth Heroines are recognized each year in a special ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. The initiative is run by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and recognizes extraordinary women who make unsung contributions to improve their communities.

Gabriella Snyder Stelmack has worked with Bread of Life for over 35 years. She first became involved with the organization in 1988 as a “homeless advocate” before becoming deputy director, working alongside former executive director Tom Feagley for many years. In 2018, Gabriella took over as executive director after Tom’s retirement. Gabriella is also a distinguished soprano vocalist and composer who has collaborated on many projects in Malden and throughout New England.

Since 1980, Bread of Life has served the residents of Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, and other north metro Boston area communities as a non-profit food security organization. Its programs deliver 1.5 million pounds of food every year through its pantries and mobile market; prepared and congregate meals; nutrition support for public school students; and delivery services for senior citizens, disabled residents, homeless individuals, and families in shelters.

Through their Food Access project, Bread of Life also focuses on overcoming barriers to accessing nutritious food encountered by lower-income communities with respect to race, ethnicity, language, culture, age, gender, and other factors. Bread of Life’s new facility in Malden, on schedule to be completed this summer, will bring all their programs under one roof and includes 14 affordable studio apartments. More information can be found at breadoflifemalden.org.

“I am sincerely humbled that Senator Lewis nominated me for this recognition. In reality, it's a testament to Bread of Life and the work that so many staff and community members do week-in, week-out to make sure that everyone in our communities has access to adequate and healthy food for their families,” said Gabriella Snyder Stelmack, executive director of Bread of Life. “I see being part of Bread of Life as the biggest movement of God in my life since I heard the calling in 1988. Along with music, this work gives me joy and purpose and helps me grow by constantly pushing me to have faith through any trial.”

“I was thrilled to nominate Gabriella for this special recognition and to lift up the incredible work that Bread of Life and all of its volunteers provide to our communities,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “Gabriella’s dedicated and selfless commitment to helping those in need is inspiring and reflective of her tenacious and heroic character.”