SULLIVAN FRESH COMMUNITY CUPBOARD: STORIES FROM THE ROAD Submitted by Martin Colavito, Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard Program Manager
So, for the past 80 or so weeks we have been serving our community by developing relationships with many of the voices rarely heard in our County. A funny thing continues to happen. Those with a little want to contribute a lot to stabilize their neighborhoods. Recently we developed lawn signs thanking folks for being a part of our effort by reminding them that their generosity truly goes a long way with engaging those who are so often forgotten. We also distribute these signs to the folks we serve to remind them that they are as much a partner in our efforts as anyone else is. These signs proudly display the message of “Part of the Solution”. These signs are on front roads, back roads, and from one end of the County to the other. When we ask folks if we can put the signs up, we are often met with a degree of mistrust. It seems that some people are concerned about being labelled, but when they see the sign states that they are part of the solution, unanimously the mistrust dissolves into pride! A funny thing happened once these signs started
going up. Many of the folks we serve now pay things forward, resulting in them feeling like they are part of the solution. An example of this is Pete. We have been delivering to Pete for quite a while, and since his sign was displayed, he has been donating six frozen chickens every three weeks. Pete gets these chickens from a local chicken plant where he works. These chickens are immediately delivered to folks on that day’s route. Another example is Don, who made sure he gave his neighbor half of his food until we delivered and makes sure his neighbors get their food by storing and delivering it when they are not home. More and more folks are coming to us and inquiring how they can help. Scott told me that “I never thought I’d be apart of anything, but I love being a part of this”. Extension Connection
October 2021
Believe it or not, there is a systemic, institutional stigma that accompanies much of the service from agencies providing care. This has created a nonintentional disconnect, as often verbalized by our partners. This makes it more important than ever for us to humble ourselves in their presence. So remember, when you see one of these signs, you see a partner and the cultivation of community!
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