At the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club Teen Center in Chelsea, the rhythm of the afternoon hits a familiar note. There is laughter as teens greet each other as they arrive from school, the hum of the microwave, the smell of flat bread sandwiches warming, and the sound of friends catching up. For Culinary Program Manager and Club alumna Chef Tracey Marchetti, it’s the sound of belonging and of something bigger.
“It’s about more than food,” she says. “Fuel Zone gives our teens the energy they need to learn, lead, and stay connected. It’s where they recharge.”
Fuel Zone, made possible through a partnership between BJ’s Wholesale Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, is reimagining what it means to nourish young people. As a leading membership-only warehouse club, BJ’s heard and answered the call to address food insecurity in our communities.
For the past five years, BJ’s has been a proud and dedicated partner to BGCB, making a lasting impact on the thousands of young people we serve. Their commitment to this work led to the creation of Fuel Zones, specialized spaces within our Clubs designed to directly combat teen food insecurity and ensure our members have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. The program offers open access to healthy, appealing snacks and simple meals teens actually want, like fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, macaroni cups, and popcorn. These small choices help them establish healthy eating habits and encourage them to stay at the Club longer.
But for Tracey and her colleagues, Fuel Zone is about far more than what’s on the plate. “It teaches responsibility, life skills, and respect for the space we share,” she explains. “Our teens learn how to heat food, keep things clean, and look out for one another. They’re practicing independence and accountability, skills that will carry them far beyond these walls.”
Fuel Zone is part of BGCB’s comprehensive health and wellness strategy, which also includes a designated staff member at each Club serving as a change leader for integrating health and wellness into the culture of their Club.
By keeping teens in the Club, the program keeps them safe, engaged, and connected. “Before Fuel Zone, a lot of teens were leaving to grab fast food or go to the corner store,” says BGCB’s Director of Healthy Lifestyles, Gabrielle Witham. “Now, they’re staying here, eating better, saving their money, and spending more time in a positive environment.”
Fuel Zones are operating at three BGCB sites today: the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club in Chelsea, the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center, and the Yawkey Club of Roxbury. We’ve seen incredible results from this initiative, with teens choosing to stay at the Clubs for eight to ten hours a day during the summer, engaging in programs, mentoring younger members, and exploring new interests and passions.
The impact has been so powerful that BJ’s has committed to expanding Fuel Zones to two additional Clubs, extending this successful model to even more teens who can benefit from the support and nourishment it provides. Moreover, BJ’s is replicating this initiative with other Boys & Girls Clubs partners in different regions. While the fridge features items like taco salads and fruit cups, the program’s success is built on a foundation of collaboration and a deep understanding of what teens truly need.
“BJ’s has been incredible,” Witham says. “They fund not just the food, but the equipment and supplies that make this program possible including microwaves, air fryers, refrigeration, and more. They’ve been partners in every sense of the word.”
For BJ’s, the partnership reflects a shared belief in investing in the next generation.
“At BJ’s, we’re driven by a powerful purpose: we take care of the families who depend on us,” says Paul Cichocki, Chief Commercial Officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Our partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston is one way we’re living our purpose, and we’re proud to help teens develop healthy habits. The Fuel Zone program exemplifies what can happen when you combine nutrition access with youth development. These teens aren’t just getting fed. They’re discovering ways to make choices about their health, developing independence and staying engaged in a safe environment.”
The success of the Fuel Zone program is also a testament to the dedication of the entire BJ’s team. BJ’s team members consistently enjoy giving back to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston youth, and visited the Clubs to play sports with our member and organized a Summer BBQ as well.
Back at the Jordan Club, Tracey sees that inspiration every day. “We’re giving them real choices,” she says. “They’re learning what it means to take care of themselves and each other. And thanks to BJ’s, we’re feeding more than hunger. We are feeding confidence, community, and hope.”
