Thanks to John Flowers for his recent story on the increase in customers at HOPE’s food shelf, and the fact that farmers had to contend with a late start to the growing season due to cold, wet weather. We’re happy to report that during the late summer conditions have changed and farmers are now having a great harvest. That is a relief to us for a number of reasons. When growing conditions are bad, it’s not just farmers who are impacted, but all of us — growers, retailers, customers, and those who rely on food shelves.
Farm donations to HOPE’s Local Food Access Program have picked up dramatically, and we are incredibly grateful to our local farmers for their great generosity. Their colorful, fragrant, nutritious fruits and vegetables are available at HOPE, and we also share a large amount with many other charitable food sites. Our customers are also grateful, and we’ve been enjoying talking with them about how to use what they find here.
We look forward to writing an end of season report with the full tally of how much food was donated, where it went, and how it was used. Meanwhile, when you go to pick up your CSA share, stop at a farmers’ market, or select something from your local farm stand, be sure to say an extra special thank you to the farmers for all their work and their great generosity. They make our community a happier, healthier place for all.
Jeanne Montrose, HOPE Executive Director, Middlebury