MIDDLEBURY — Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects (HOPE) has temporarily relaxed the eligibility standards for its free food and other charitable services, in recognition of the economic pain many Addison County families are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Middlebury-based nonprofit is now serving households earning 250% of the federal poverty line, which translates to $3,592 a month for a two-person household and $5,458 for a family of four. Until around two weeks ago, HOPE was serving locals earning no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline.
HOPE operates a well-stocked food shelf year-round. It includes milk, eggs, meats, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishable foods, and personal care products.
Visit HOPE at 282 Boardman Street in Middlebury and call 388-3608 from your car. If you don’t have a cell phone, press the HOPE doorbell inside the lobby. Staff will take your grocery order over the phone. They’ll pack the items you’ve selected and set a time for you to pick up your groceries curbside. If you can’t get to HOPE during its hours of operation, ask about delivery options. All services are confidential.