Eagle Times Staff
SPRINGFIELD, VT — The Springfield Family Center has announce that after an exhaustive search, the organization has found a new facility and plans to relocate in the new year following the completion of some much-needed renovations.
The new location is in the Shaw’s Plaza in what was formerly the Precision Pools. A ribbon-cutting announcement will be made at a later time.
Since 1971, the center has worked to connect individuals and families to charitable food resources with the help of the community.
“We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the community for supporting our mission to ensure every individual has the food they need to thrive,” said Trisha Paradis, executive director of Springfield Family Center.
“Inflation and rising food costs continue to burden individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet,” according to the center. “Food insecurity must be treated as the urgent crisis it is. In Springfield, 1 in 3 Springfield residents struggle with food insecurity and 52 percent of Vermont households report having to choose between purchasing food or paying their bills.”
“The experience of living with food insecurity — it’s embarrassing, it’s hurtful, it makes you feel less than a mom when you can’t feed your children. “It takes a lot out of you to have to go and ask for help. Another thing about food insecurity is that people may not always look like you’d think they would look. They might be employed, they might be educated, they might be trying their best to pay their bills, but they can still be experiencing hunger. The Family Center shows me respect, kindness and understanding,” said a Springfield parent. All guests of the Family Center remain confident.
Springfield Family Center’s food shelf and hot meal programs provide sustenance and nutrition to those who would otherwise go hungry. Over the past (fiscal) year, the Springfield Family Center distributed
44,368 meals including the distribution of 102 holiday themed boxes feeding more than 300 people.
The Springfield Family Center is more than a food pantry. It is a vital and imperative part of our communities.
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