January 15, 2026 |City of Lynn, From the Mayor, News, Non-profits, Phoenix Food Hub

Small Business, Big Heart: Stepping Up for Lynn Residents

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From Mayor Nicholson’s office: When the government shutdown threatened Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November, Peter Mikedis knew it was time to act. He reached out to the Phoenix Food Hub and rather than asking what he and his family, who own Redi-Pax & Fresh-Pax food service company, could do, Mikedis said what they would do.

The Mikedis Family provided 100 shelf-stable meal kits, each containing five days’ worth of meals. He also delivered 100 ready-to-eat meals weekly throughout the month. Combined, it amounted to a $20,000 food donation at a time when it was desperately needed.

“Peter made that generous donation without being asked when SNAP benefits were the talk of the country,” said Nick Anander, Community Program Manager with Greater Lynn Senior Services, which hosts the Phoenix Food Hub on Silsbee Street.

The meal kits included five breakfasts, lunches and dinners, hot and cold beverages and snacks. Phoenix, an award-winning initiative that was the first of its kind in the state, spread out the donation among various agencies, ensuring the meal kits got to those who needed them the most.

“This food donation was invaluable,” said Norris Guscott, Health Access Officer and chair of the Lynn Food Policy Council. “Lynn has a high rate of food insecurity and a lot of people rely on SNAP. The food went directly to the most vulnerable in the community.”

Mikedis, who started Sidekim Foods, the precursor to his current company, Redi-Pax & Fresh-Pax, almost 20 years ago, said the combination of the uncertainty created by the lengthy government shutdown and the time of year prompted him and his family – wife Stella and sons, Andrew and Christopher – to get involved.

“When the government shut down and the SNAP program was up in the air, we reached out to Phoenix and said we’d love to help bridge the gap with food insecurity, especially at that time of year.”

Peter Mikedis – Owner, Redi-Pax & Fresh-Pax

The donation of meal kits and meals was the latest example of philanthropy from Mikedis and his family. For the last 18 years they have been hosting a Christmas party that has raised more than $500,000 for gifts for children involved with the Mass. Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other agencies. This year, more than 400 gifts were distributed to children in Lynn.

“We believe that every child deserves to open something new during the holidays,” Mikedis said. “We have to give back because a lot of people need help. It’s all about family and health. Without those you have nothing.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said Mikedis’ gesture was appreciated and well-timed.

“Peter and his family have a long history of being good corporate citizens, always ready to help out,” the mayor said. “In this case, he proactively reached out because he knew there was so much uncertainty for those dealing with food insecurity. We sincerely appreciate their generosity.”

Mikedis left a successful corporate career to start his own company.

“About 25 years ago, I had my aha moment,” said Mikedis, who was working as a vice president at a food-service company. “I was diagnosed with cancer. It was all about working and making money. I quit my job and got introduced to nutrition for seniors and schools, then started Sidekim foods. For years, I worked to make a living, now I work to make a difference.”

A Saugus resident, Mikedis and his family donated food products to Healthy Students, Healthy Saugus, a program that provides meals for students to take home on weekends. They also donate 45 meals a month to the Lynn Home for Young Women.

The Phoenix Food Hub was started in December 2022 as a vehicle to streamline the collection and distribution of food resources for those who need them. GLSS had the space as well as a loading dock for trucks to access. In 2024, Phoenix was presented the Kenneth Picard Municipal Innovation Award from the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” Anander said. “Phoenix has really come alive the last few years.”