BROOKLINE, Mass. —

Ruby Pearl, 76, of Brookline, knows that it’s difficult for people to ask for help.

As a talented artist, it may be easier for her to paint a masterpiece than to ask for help getting nutritious food, but she has taught herself to do both.

Now, she receives help from the Brookline Food Pantry. Volunteers like Jacob Marks drive the food to her building and deliver it directly to her home.

"It's great work. It's a good workout, you get to put a smile on people's faces. I mean, it's an easy job. It's fun," Marks said.

Pearl said she receives plenty of fresh food to keep her healthy.

"My favorite — all the fresh vegetables. You have no idea. I eat vegetables like it's crazy," she said.

Beyond vegetables, she gets other staples such as chicken breast, eggs and pork tend

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