In a unique pilot program that could potentially be implemented elsewhere in the state, Vermont Everyone Eats has teamed up with Black River Good Neighbor Services to provide Meals on Wheels to residents in the Town of Cavendish.
Everyone Eats is a federally and state funded program that came into existence during the COVID pandemic as an effort to rescue small restaurants that were hit hard by the health crisis. Through that program, restaurants have produced thousands of meals, sourcing ingredients locally, which have been distributed at no cost to residents across the state.
Black River Good Neighbor Services has been serving the greater Ludlow area for decades, and currently operates a food shelf, thrift store, and furniture store. Additionally, they began free community lunches at the Ludlow Community Center this past fall, drawing over one hundred people at a time for delicious meals overseen by Vicki Mastrioanni, a professional caterer and former Senior Solutions Volunteer Coordinator.
Recently, Cavendish Meals on Wheels operations found itself without a local sponsorship. The solution seemed clear: by bringing these two organizations together, Senior Solutions was able to create a model for other communities. Local restaurants associated with Everyone Eats will be providing a variety of seven nutritious meals each week for Cavendish Meals on Wheels recipients, and Black River Good Neighbor Services will provide milk supplies, administrative oversight, and work with the local residents who wish to serve as drivers.
We look forward to this new partnership in 2023!
