Today we Brought My Mother to a Mobile Pantry for the First Time

I meant to take some photos, but the morning was pure chaos and I forgot my phone!

Mom does live on her own, has COPD and visually impaired.  She has finally agreed to take some outside assistance.   DS and I do what we can financially.  In a crisis (stove needed to be replaced) I'm on it.  When we are there we always bring things, and tend to leave cash too.    She still lives on her own, and her income is less than 1300 a month. Her condo is paid off.   She allots $100 for food each month.  She has resisted any sort of government or town assistance except for senior discount on her property taxes. 

Something changed.  I think it was the cost of eggs that threw her over the edge.  So I told her about all the options.  We applied for snap (still waiting to hear) and I told her about the mobile pantry.  I also told her we could apply for the commodity box, and that I can be designated as her pickup person.  We are still discussing that option.  I told her of a blogger who was in our state who first made me aware of the mobile pantry.  You know who you are!  I'm so grateful you have made us aware of this program. 

So, DS, her dog and I picked up Mom early.  We got there at 9 am.  Of course it's a very cold morning.  I forgot gloves.  Thank goodness DS had on her 'marshmallow' coat, mittens and hat.  It was to run for just 45 minutes, 930-1015 am.    I got out of my car and spoke to some others waiting, who were in the know.  An organizer in an orange vest was great, explaining how it would all work once the truck came.  They told me that there was plenty of food, that we should wait in the car until distribution started. 

They were so organized.  Many volunteers helping unload banana boxes.  All customers chatting like old friends.  DS took Mom to the line.  She was just halfway in.  People were still coming as we left (we left at 10:07 am. 

Mom was very impressed and excited.  She loved that she got two Entemanns products, a cake and cookies.  A treat she would not have bought.  She received mushrooms, trio of colored peppers, carrots, 5 zucchini and a watermelon.  2 pounds of strawberries, a carton of cream cheese and a block of cheddar.  Also 2 small pannetone (she could have taken 4, or one large one)  

They were really trying to get people to take large bags of basil.  Oh how I would have loved to get some.  But I wasn't there for myself.  Honestly the way things are going, I might consider it.   It is a great resource, and I am going to look into becoming involved somehow (you know, in all that spare time I have)

If you would like to know more, or find when they will be in your area you can visit 

the Connecticut Food Share page here.