Senior Solutions and the Family Center launch “Chester Andover 100%” Campaign for Food & Fuel Security

Two local organizations – Senior Solutions and the Chester-Andover Family Center – have come together to launch a campaign to ensure that 100% of residents of those towns are both food and fuel secure as we enter the winter months.

Do you have questions about what food and fuel benefits are available and how to apply for them? Whiting Library is hosting two info sessions this December to answer all your questions. Come to the library during the following times to meet with Thom Simmons from Senior Solutions and the Chester-Andover 100% Campaign:

Wednesday, December 8th, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Whiting Library

Saturday, December 11th, from 10 am to 12pm at Whiting Library

During early December, every household in Chester and Andover will receive a letter from the Chester-Andover 100% Campaign briefly describing on-going programs that provide help with food and fuel resources locally. Included in the letter will be a 4 x 9 card listing the contact information of the organizations and services provided by each. This information will also be made available at town institutions, churches, and Whiting Library.

Thom Simmons, Outreach Specialist for Senior Solutions, noted that “More than 60% of our local seniors who are eligible for food and fuel benefits do not participate in these programs. The Fuel Assistance program alone can provide up to $3,000 annually to help people with their fuel bills, and that’s a lot of money to be ‘leaving on the table’ during a Vermont winter. We want people to understand that participation in these programs helps strengthen local communities and their economies.  More than 9 million dollars is added to the Vermont economy each month through the 3SquaresVT program alone, and that doesn’t even include the multiplying effect of those dollars throughout the community.”

Thom will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance programs at the following locations:

Friday, Dec. 3, from 10 am to Noon at the Chester-Andover Family Center

Wednesday, Dec 8, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Whiting Library in Chester

Saturday, Dec 11, from 10 am to Noon at Whiting Library in Chester

Friday, Dec 17, from 10 am to Noon at the Chester-Andover Family Center

Chester-Andover Food Shelf and Thrift Shop Hours Change

The timing of the campaign coincides with the change in hours at the CAFC, which offers nutritious food, affordable clothing and household goods, and provides financial assistance. Beginning in December, the Food Shelf will be open Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm, and Fridays 10 am to 2 pm, with fresh produce every Friday. The Thrift Shop will expand their hours to three days each week, opening on Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm, Fridays 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

The agencies can be contacted directly as follows:

Chester-Andover Family Center:  802-875-3236 or email cafc302@gmail.com

Senior Solutions HelpLine: 802-885-2669