Childhood Hunger
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Summary:
For about $70, volunteers fill a box with non-perishable foods that will feed a family for three days.
May 25
Food-pack program bridges a gap for families in crisis
Alison Aloisio
Bethel Citizen
A grassroots program, “Three Day Supply,” has quietly started providing short-term food for area families in crisis.
“This provides a bridge for people going into crisis, for people who never thought they’d be where they are,” said volunteer Jeanie Waite. “People who reach the edge in this community do not always have the resources to feed themselves in the short term.”
The concept is simple: For about $70, volunteers fill a box with non-perishable foods that will feed a family for three days. That’s the typical time needed to complete paperwork to qualify them for food stamps or other aid.
“This is not intended to supplant the Food Pantry,” which, Waite said, can provide food for a longer period.
The program has been in the planning stages for the past year. Waite got the idea while visiting relatives in North Carolina and hearing about a similar program there.
Distribution of food got underway in April. Based on estimates provided by the Food Pantry, the average need is about four families a month.
“Many are displaced or single-parent families,” Waite said.
The menu/food supply is simple, familiar and storable for up to a year.
Examples include elbow macaroni, raisins, applesauce, canned milk, tuna, bake beans, soup, jelly, popcorn, cocoa and cookies.
“It’s user friendly. Even a child could put together a meal,” said Waite.
And, she said, the simple comfort foods of hot chocolate and cookies will soothe a child while mom deals with the challenges facing the family.
News of the program has spread by word of mouth, and a variety of local people and organizations have stepped up to donate food.
TDS currently has enough food for about two months. Anyone interested in helping out in the future may call 824-2780.
