We spoke with Vaness Gauntlette, Coordinator for the Food Security Program in Hopedale.
She gave us a brief update on what programs she holds for the community.
Each month she hosts Soup Kitchen, where people from the community go in to make pots of soup to give out of the community. There is also a monthly Salad Bar, Women’s Wellness, Meals For Men, Kids in Kitchen, Teens Cooking Sessions and Adults Cooking Classes. For any of these programs being held, you’re allowed to bring your child or children.
She also offers gardening during the summer season, offering planting of different fruits and vegetables. During the winter season she still offers gardening for certain veggies through container gardening and hydroponics.
She offers jerky making with the dehydrator for anyone who is interested, sends healthy snacks to the school for grades K-12 and tries to offer taste testers so people can try new recipes, and if they like it, take the recipe home.
She will be trying a new program for a fruit salad bar, as well as a veggie and dip bar.
Vanessa would like to add that if anyone from the community has any other ideas, they could contact her at Hopedale’s DHSD’s office.