WESTFIELD-Since last summer’s launch of The Mobile Food Bank in the city, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has seen an increase in the need for helping city residents access fresh, healthy food options.
“When The Mobile Food Bank first launched at the Westfield Lodge of Elks, approximately 100 people came to get food,” said Chris Wojcik, marketing and communications manager, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “Word of the program quickly spread throughout the community, and attendance gradually grew to nearly 300 people.”
Twice a month The Mobile Food Bank delivers a truck full of fresh and nonperishable groceries to city residents who don’t have access to healthy foods. (Submitted photo)
Wojcik noted the program outgrew the parking lot at the Elks Club and the distribution site was relocated to St. John’s Lutheran Church on Broad Street. The Westfield Mobile Food Bank distribution takes place on the first and third Mondays of each month from 10 to 11 a.m., and is run by The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in partnership with Highland Valley Elder Services.
Summer distribution dates are planned for June 4 and 18 and July 2 and 16.
“In our last fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2016-Sept. 30, 2017), The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts served a total of 7,116 individuals in Westfield through our partner agencies, Mobile Food Bank and Brown Bag for Elders program,” said Wojcik, adding that represents a 23% increase from the previous year.
“There are no eligibility requirements for our Mobile Food Bank,” said Wojcik. “Anyone in need of food assistance can attend. Recipients are only asked to provide the number of people in their household and their ages.”
For individuals seeking assistance, it is recommended to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to distribution time, and to bring boxes or bags to carry the food.
“Because we rely on donations, we’re never certain from one Mobile Food Bank distribution to the next exactly what food we will have to distribute,” said Wojcik.
Overall, The Food Bank currently has 21 Mobile Food Bank sites, totaling 36 distributions. The food that is distributed comes from a variety of sources, including the state and federal government, local farms, the Food Bank Farm, retail and wholesale food businesses and community organizations.
“Depending on the time of the year, we will have fruits and vegetables from local farms,” said Wojcik. “Other produce comes from regional farms, as well as donations from food wholesalers and retail supermarkets.”
During each distribution, persons can expect to receive between 10 to 20 pounds of food, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, squash, carrots, cabbage, celery and apples), to yogurt, milk, juice, eggs and frozen meat, according to Wojcik.
“We typically try to make at least six different items available to recipients,” said Wojcik.
Marian Zeiss, community care adviser, Highland Valley Elder Services, coordinates the logistics for the city program and is currently in need of volunteers to assist with the twice monthly distributions.
“We need volunteers to help with setting up the tables at 9:30 a.m., as well as assisting during the distribution hour and then taking down the tables at 11 a.m.,” said Zeiss, who maintains a satellite office at the Washington House at 16 Washington St.
For more information on the program or to volunteer, contact Zeiss at (413) 568-2909.
“This is a year-round community project and we need volunteers,” said Zeiss.
