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Mascoma Bank has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Summer BBQ schedule for the safety and well-being of our community and team members. For Mascoma Bank team members, the BBQs are a highlight of the summer. We get to spend time outside and quite literally serve our neighbors. Some of them are customers we see every week, while others are community members who have become perennial figures at their local BBQ. We will miss them all greatly this year and hope they are able to visit us at a point in time when it safe.
The average age at our BBQs tilts to the older side. That fact made it even clearer to us that we could not safely host the events. At the same, the need for meals and support for senior members of our community has rarely been greater. We are increasingly concerned about the rise of food insecurity across the full range of ages. Recognizing that there are many in the community who are struggling right now, we have committed the funds that would normally go to putting on the BBQs to support organizations that supply food assistance. We started by sending funds to these 11 organizations and continue to support a broad range other groups that are helping address similar challenges.
Bugbee Senior Center – White River Junction Council on Aging
HCS – Home Healthcare & Community Services in Keene
Kearsarge Lake Sunapee Food Pantry
Thompson Senior Center (Woodstock, VT)
By contributing, we take some solace in the fact that we can still help in feeding our communities this summer. We are pleased that our contributions can make a difference in this way.
We also want to take a moment to shine a light on the positive work they do for our neighbors. If you are in position where you might need help, we want you to know they are there. Or, if you are in a position where you can offer support, please consider donating to an organization that is addressing food insecurity in your area.
Looking for more resources?
Upper Valley Strong has a comprehensive listing of food resources by town in the greater Upper Valley.
https://uvstrong.org/resources/food-access/#food-resources
The Vermont Food Bank has a searchable database of agencies.
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/agency-locator
The New Hampshire Food Bank also has searchable listings.