Update on "Take and Eat" Program

Posted by Susan Newton, S. Hadley Town Democratic Committee:

From: Allan Patriquin (Center Church)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:20:50 -0400
Subject: Re: Take and Eat, Inc...
To: Kathleen Ryan

Hello Kathleen...
Thank you for your reply to the several questions I raised earlier. I have received an application form from Hector Figarella at the Food Bank, which has raised some new questions:
1) Should we apply as an "affiliate" of the Take and Eat program, or as an independent organization? One advantage of affiliating with you is the existence of an established program that can perhaps speed up the approval of our application.
(Kathleen): You will need to apply as an independent - Take and Eat no longer is a member of the Food Bank as our Program does not directly prepare any meals and therefore does not utilize those services. As mentioned in my earlier e-mail, the process is currently not very expedient but don't be frustrated by that as you will reap the benefits once a member.
2) In addition to the several churches that will be participating, the local Democratic Committee has expressed some interest in participating. Would this be a problem in combining religious and non-religious organizations? Is there a requirement that all volunteers must be members of the churches that sponsor the program?
(Kathleen): This is not a concern - we reach out to all who are interested in assisting in this program to feed and do a wellness check on the homebound senior population during the weekend. We don't proselytize to the clients as we extend this service to all, regardless of religious affiliation or not.
3) If the application process takes several months to complete, we would like to begin on Saturday, October 17th, and, if necessary, purchase food from other sources until Food Bank food becomes available. Would you have any recommendations about such other sources?
(Kathleen): The client count in S. Hadley is currently 60 - 65. Based on those numbers, the most cost effective and quality purchases would be through BJ's, Price Rite, Sam's Warehouse, and Costco. If any of the congregants have a connection to some of the local farms - that might be a good resource at this time for veggies/fruits. We certainly appreciate your help as we begin to take flight!
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-----Original Message-----
From: Allan Patriquin
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 10:17 AM
To: takeandeat@verizon.net
Subject:
...an application form to the Food Bank...Center Church will pay the $125 membership fee, and I will set up a financial donation arrangement with the local churches to underwrite our ongoing expenses.