Quick Bites: Spring 2024
Fresh Market Returns
The Falmouth Service Center and Falmouth Public Schools have relaunched the FRESH Market program! Thanks to a grant from the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, we are able to purchase the extra food items that are offered at these events. Each month throughout the spring, we are bringing more than 2500 pounds of food into one of the schools. We serve upwards of 130 families every time we host a FRESH Market. Thanks go to the school administrators, teachers, and staff for their cooperation in helping to bring back this vital program.
Falmouth Enterprise Community Fund Comes Up Big Again!
The Falmouth Enterprise works in partnership with the Falmouth Service Center to raise much needed funds during the holidays. This year, the Falmouth community donated $97,745 through the Falmouth Enterprise's Community Fund.
We are so grateful to every single person and business who donated to this Fund. You are vital to our ability to keep up with the increased demand that we have seen over the last year. In 2023 alone, we distributed over 1 million pounds of food. We could not do that without everyone's support. We are also grateful for the informative stories that the staff of the Enterprise wrote each week from Thanksgiving through the end of the year. These stories shed light on what our organization does on a weekly basis and highlighted some of the very special people who make it all happen.
John Hough, publisher of the Falmouth Enterprise presents a check to Kerin Delaney.
Pet Food Program
Are you aware that the Falmouth Service Center food pantry helps the whole family - including pets? Thanks to our generous community we are able to routinely provide wet and dry pet food, and treats for dogs and cats. Additionally, we frequently offer donated toys and other pet care items.
Pet food is one of the offerings on our weekly grocery list. It is also made available to our Home Delivery clients, and the military families who come to our FRESH Market at Joint Base Cape Cod. A dedicated group of 10-12 volunteers gather every two weeks in our warehouse to carefully pack and label bags of dry dog and cat food, for distribution to our client families. On average, we distribute more than 300 pounds of kibble plus scores of canned food weekly.
The human-animal bond is powerful! Research suggests that having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and social isolation. For many in our community, pets provide much needed companionship. In fact, our program started after discovering that some of our clients were giving up their beloved pets because of the cost of feeding them.
Over the past several years, we have been able to meet the need for pet food thanks to the generosity of area pet food stores; FSC supporters in our community who host pet food drives (collecting unopened and unexpired pet food and care items); and monetary donations received. However, recent demand has outstripped donations. As a result, we spent several thousand dollars on pet food last year. We need your help to boost the pet food donations. Host a pet food drive, make a monetary donation, or add a couple of extra cans or a bag of cat or dog food to your grocery cart when shopping for your pets.
Fresh Start Back to School Program
Our Fresh Start Program provides children with a new backpack filled with school supplies and a gift card towards the purchase of new clothing. Last summer, we assisted more than 270 children. This year we would like to do even more, but we need your support!
Become a Backpack Buddy
Drop off a new backpack. We particularly need larger packs for students grades 5-12.
Donate $100 to buy and fill a bag with new school supplies and other necessities.
Thank You! Your support makes a difference! Our families are truly grateful for your assistance.
New Senior Shopping Hours
In mid-February 2024, we launched a pilot program to make it easier for older adults to visit the food pantry. The Senior Shopping Program allows adults age 60 and older to pick up groceries by appointment.
The huge benefit is no line or waiting outside in bad weather!
Participants in the program are delighted to receive personalized service, and access to clothing and specialty items selected just for them. Volunteers enjoy the opportunity to work directly with clients, who truly appreciate the extra attention.
WIN! WIN!
MV Bank Charitable Foundation Grant Supports Capital Improvements
Thank You!
Thanks to Martha's Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, FSC was able to replace condenser units on two of our freezers; purchase a new battery for our forklift; and replace our dairy cooler. We are so grateful to the Foundation for their support of nearly $23,000 to make these necessary improvements! This makes such a difference to our food distribution program.