Food Shelf

Food and Nutrition prevents people from being hungry with emergency food assistance and Commodities foods provided by the USDA (Department of Agriculture). The food provided in the form of "food shelves" helps people when in need. Staff help with nutrition information, shopping tips and ways to reduce the risk of a food emergency. Food is usually provided for at least a three day period or longer if circumstances require more. Each year more than 1,500 households are helped with food and donations from the community are essential to help meet this need.

Commodities are available and help many people to avoid running out of food from month to month. Commodities include food items such as canned vegetables and fruits, packaged fruits, pasta products, cereals, peanut butter, dry milk and more. Items will vary during the year. Income eligible households can receive commodities on a monthly basis.

Nutrition Education is offered, including one to one counseling. We use a curriculum called "Financial Fitness" that emphasizes basic budgeting, family communication around spending decisions and smart shopping. This information and instruction is aimed at helping people more effectively meet their family's nutritional needs by using their financial resources carefully.

McCarty Grant Received

BROC has received a $1,500 McCarty Grant from the Stratton Foundation in Bondville to support our emergency food shelf in Bennington County.  One focus of the Stratton Foundation's McCarty grants is to fund initiatives in health and human services; their mission is to enhance the quality of life and create a sense of community in southwestern Vermont.  This is the second grant we have received from this foundation and we are grateful fo the opportunity to provide nourishing food for those in need.  To learn more about the Stratton Foundation please visit www.strattonfoundation.org.