Supporting Our Partners

Last fiscal year, in partnership with Riverbend Foodbank, we were able to distribute 220 bags to our Network Partners to give to the families they serve; this year we have distributed 136 in the first two months. Because our distribution day lands on the 4th Wednesday of each month, partners have expressed that the timing helps bridge the gap between when their SNAP benefits run out and when they are replenished the following month. We have also had partners give out the produce in conjunction with their own diaper and formula distribution, allowing them to address families' needs in multiple areas. We include simple recipes and storage tips based on what is in the produce bag each month and provide that literature to partners who work with families whose first language is not English so that they may provide the material translated. One of our partners shared this story of impact:

"I signed up for one produce pack for one of my participants. I did not tell her I did it, but I am familiar with her situation and knew she could use it. She came in with her foster child, and they checked out the oranges we had on the table to share, and I told her I had a whole bag for her to take home. She was very touched. She looked like she was going to burst into tears, and then gave me a hug."