Our food programs
Our food program grew from grab-and-go meals we provided to the community during the pandemic. Through our strong partnership with the Tinervin Family Foundation, we have been able to provide free, non-perishable food boxes to the Bloomington/Normal community. Individuals and families of any size and income can come to the Center to pick up a box whenever they need. We collaborate with various churches, schools, universities, and other organizations to provide food to their clients as well.
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We are excited to start a new Food Program with WBRP and One Hope Project! This collaboration was created to help Westside familie eat more fresh produce and be healthier. The Westside has been called a “Food Desert” because residents face challenges getting to and from grocery stores that carry healthy food options.
The WBRP secured a grant to give forty eligible Westside families a free box of fresh produce from Cook Farm every week starting in mid-June through mid-November. Western Avenue will be a distribution site for this food! In additon to food distribution, our partnership with One Hope Project will provide nutrition and body positivity curriculum to our youth and senior programs.
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The Free Veggie Box contains fresh vegetables from Cook Farm in Bloomington, IL
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This box is part of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program where participants get a pre-packaged box of the freshest vegetables from the farm each week for the season
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There will be a “Share Table” at pick up and you may take vegetables from the “Share Table” or leave any items from your box that you do not wish to take home
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The box MUST be picked up on Wednesdays between 5-7 PM at Western Avenue Community Center (600 N. Western Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701). When a box is not picked up, it will be surrendered. It cannot be held past 7 PM
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If a family misses three pick-ups, they can no longer be part of the program
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Others can pick up the box if given permission for them to do so in advance
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The Free Veggie Box runs from mid-June through mid-November 2022
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Food Program"I think that the [Food Program] really helps peo-ple who have limited resources because if these programs didn’t exist, it would be really difficult. Many times, I don’t get a lot of hours at work and we don’t have the money we need to buy enough food. You all give us food that really helps a lot." - Sandra A, Food Program Participant
"[The Food Program] was a great help because with everything going on with the pandemic, I lost my job; they didn’t give me many hours. The food program helped a lot." - Teresita, Food Program Participant |
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