When we post statistics, you will get a quick snapshot of what happens at the
Food Cupboard. But what really happens every month to make up those
numbers?
Where does the food come from?
As part of our partnership with CTFoodshare we are part of a program called retail
rescue. CTFoodshare set up agreements with local grocers for us to be able to go
and get their excess food to be distributed at our Food Cupboard. On Mondays
and Fridays, our three volunteer drivers go to both Vernon Stop & Shops, Ellington
and Tolland Big Y, Vernon Aldi’s, Vernon ShopRite, and Manchester Walmart to
pick up food. On Saturday, a volunteer goes just to Walmart. So far this year, they
have picked up over 176,000 pounds of food.
We also order food from CTFoodshare’s warehouse in Bloomfield. Finally, we are
very grateful to have local groups, churches, and individuals donate food on a regular basis.
Vernon ShopRite donates thousands of items from their pre-packed bag program
filled with $5 or $10 worth of items we have listed as needed.
Volunteers go to work!
Once the food arrives back at Cornerstone, a team of seven volunteers works
about 5-6 hours processing the food, removing spoilage, putting it in bags ready
to be distributed on Tuesday and Saturday. The team bags about 75-100 brown
bags full of non-perishables, and separate plastic bags of frozen meats, baked
goods, dairy items, and produce.
Distribution Day!
Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon, two different teams of seven sort the
bags of produce, baked goods, dairy, and any other perishable food. They give out
the bags of food to folks who come to the Cupboard to supplement their food
needs. A different volunteer delivers boxes with all the food bags to homebound
households.
The Food Cupboard is an all-volunteer operation.
You will notice that there were 827 volunteer hours given by a dedicated group of people who come every week to help people who are struggling to get by.
Cornerstone could not provide this service without them. THEY ARE AMAZING!
Next up - Behind the Clothing Bank, Etc.
Sharon Redfern
Executive Director
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