Eat Fresh

One of the many valuable programs the Sudbury Foundation has supported is the "Eat Fresh" initiative at A Place to Turn (APTT), a food pantry in Natick.

Funds from the grant (combined with a companion grant from the Foundation for MetroWest) allow APTT volunteers to shop twice a week for fresh produce so no matter when APTT clients visit the pantry, they can find something fresh and healthy to take home.

Says APTT Executive Director Joanne Barry: "We are seeing so many people who still need basic food assistance. It is interesting how many of them are more nutrition-conscious and are choosing healthy items in the pantry. The addition of the fruits and vegetables has been so appreciated."

APTT  is a "choice" pantry set up to allow clients from the Metrowest area to "shop" for their own groceries. APTT serves about 6,800 individuals a year; almost half are children.

Summertime at A Place To Turn always brings an upswing in clients and an increase in the need for food due, in part, to out-of-school children not receiving free/reduced price lunch at school. The increase occurs just as APTT experiences a lull in donations.

If you're able, now is the time to drop off a donation or send a check to APTT or your local food pantry.

In the photo: APTT volunteers Karen (left) and Jane are delighted with the fresh fruits and vegetables they are able to offer food pantry clients.

Photo courtesy of A Place to Turn