January Update

January is upon us and I for one, am optimistic about the new year. With the vaccine now available, perhaps the end of Covid -19 is in sight. My other source of optimism is the generosity of support for the Family Center from our local community and our friends from “away”. Knowing that throughout the financial and physical challenges of the pandemic, we could maintain our ability to provide financial assistance and supplemental, nutritious food to those in need is encouraging..

The CAFC board of directors is mindful of this and we are thankful and hopeful for the future.

So, I would like to start off our January news by letting our readers know how we were able to maintain our Financial Assistance and Food Shelf Programs.

Throughout the pandemic, since early March and leading up to the holiday season, the Family Center has been the recipient of many donations. A week has not gone by without a donation check or food items being dropped off at the Center. Your monetary donations support our Financial Assistance and Food Shelf Programs. We are also grateful for the generosity of so many who have donated shelf-stable and fresh food for our Food Shelf.

According to Hunger Free Vermont, in February 2020, prior to the pandemic, one in ten Vermonters experienced hunger or food insecurity. By the end of March, that increased to one in three. Due to the pandemic response and CARES funding, Vermont saw a small but significant decrease in June 2020 to one in four Vermonters experiencing hunger or food insecurity. Food shelves throughout Vermont work tirelessly to address food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food.

While the broader mission of the Chester-Andover Family Center is to make a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental, nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods, a priority during the pandemic has been to provide reliable, consistent access to fresh food for our Food Shelf recipients.

In November and December, Food Drives sponsored by Chester Helping Hands, Andover Mountaineer Snow Riders, and Katsiroubous Produce donated over one thousand pounds of shelf-stable food items. Chester Helping Hands also donated two hundred thirty-nine pounds of Christmas hams. Katsiroubous Produce donated over two thousand pounds of fresh produce and set up a link to their website that helps friends of the Family Center donate produce boxes every week. Over five hundred pounds of produce have been donated through the Katsiroubous website since November. Sometimes, it is simply a group of concerned citizens who want to make a difference. A group in Windham coordinated by Pat McLain conducted a food drive for us and delivered over one hundred thirty pounds of shelf-stable food. These food drives take a group effort, and we are grateful to the community volunteers who organize them. Thank you.

We also want to recognize and thank the Vermont Foodbank. As a VFB Network partner, the CAFC has received hundreds of pounds of fresh food at no or minimal cost to the Family Center. In addition to food, we are also grateful for their technical assistance, and grant opportunities related to Covid-19.

Yes, there are so many to thank. You are an inspiration to us as we work to help those in our community facing financial or food insecurity.