Dear Friends,
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I wrote regular updates about how Food Link was managing its work as two problems grew rapidly: food insecurity and food waste resulting from the shutdown of most businesses. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. The abnormal became the “new normal.” Along the way, Food Link set forth on a new path to accommodate these changes. Each new food pick-up or new client felt less notable and more routine. We continued to bridge the gap between companies that have fresh, healthy food and partners who distribute it to our neighbors in need.
As I sit here reflecting on the first half of 2020, it is clear that the “new normal” is far, far from normal for our neighbors, our community, and for Food Link. The work of our volunteers and our Food Program team -- Elise, Emma, Alex, Bridget, and Julie -- is very notable.
This past quarter, Food Link:
- Distributed food to 32 new community partners
- Collected 400,000 pounds of food (double the amount collected this time last year)
- Coordinated food collection from 44 new food donors across the food chain
- Saved $650,000+ worth of food that might otherwise have gone to waste
- Served an estimated 89,000 individuals through our community partners
As we remain in uncertain economic times and COVID-19 rages on across the country, our work feels more necessary than ever. Our growth and increased services in 2020 remain possible because of the generosity of thousands of individuals, community partners, and businesses. We are indebted to all our supporters and partners for their kindness and willingness to help.
In the fall of 2020, we will open the Food Link Hub where we will have increased refrigeration, a loading dock, more sorting and storage space, and additional staff. In our new space, we will grow our food program further to meet the challenges that will surely arise in the coming months. Because we are part of a strong community of caring people, like you, we will be able to provide essential, healthy food to those in need.
In gratitude,
DeAnne Dupont
Executive Director and President |
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