Homebound Food Delivery Program Helps Community
September 21, 2011-Burlington Free Press
Alice Anton walks around the Chittenden County Food Shelf’s warehouse to check on bags she’ll pack for the agency’s homebound food delivery program.
With a client base of about 130, the program provides food year-round to low income Chittenden County elderly and disabled residents. Deliveries go out from the South Winooski Avenue agency monthly. Each person receives 20 pounds of food, ranging from tuna fish to pasta to spaghetti sauce. A “fresh” bag filled to the brim with fruit, vegetables and bread also is given to participants.
“This program is taking care of low-income seniors, those who live alone and may not have families or others around to help,” said Anton. “We also help those who have disabilities. This program helps people stretch their money for a longer time.”
Volunteer Marcia Sibley helps pack food to be delivered. She and Anton are joined by five to six volunteers to get the bags to peoples’ homes. Those who help deliver are asked to use their own cars. Another volunteer hops onto a bicycle with a trailer to navigate Burlington streets to drop-off food.
“I like to go and visit my people. It’s amazing that this is happening because we serve such a specific population,” Anton said.
Ducky and Frank Donath, who live in Burlington, found out about the program more than two years ago. Both retired, they enjoy the giving nature that forms the project’s backbone, signing on to deliver food the first Friday of every month to Decker Towers on Pine Street in Burlington. “We appreciate all we’ve been given,” Ducky Donath said. “We decided that it was time to give back. We want to just help people.”
Burlington resident Angelina Arena, 64, has reaped the program’s benefits for 10 years. Because she has multiple sclerosis and uses a cart to carry groceries and steady her gait, the trip to the Food Shelf or the local grocery store would prove difficult. She welcomes the food she receives through the program, enabling her to stretch her monthly budget. She receives groceries for her own use and sends a $10 donation every month to thank the staff and volunteers for their efforts.
“They’re wonderful,” Arena said. “They’re a very good organization, and I depend on it. They give me everything I need, from tuna to mac and cheese. … If I get it from the home delivery, then I don’t have to buy it at the store.”
Arena’s birthday falls at the end of August. She received her monthly groceries on Aug. 12 and discovered a pie to celebrate her special day packed with the other items. “I just hugged the person, who brought the groceries,” Arena sad.
Fore more information on the Homebound Food Delivery Program, visit, www.feedingchittenden.org.
