Sharing spawns more sharing – that’s what we discover through the Brown Bag program.
Seniors thankful for the groceries the food bank gives them are kind enough to share that food with friends and loved ones.
“I have my sons over when my food arrives! I’m thankful, and I share,” says Ramona Service, 75, who has been receiving groceries through the Brown Bag program for four years.
“It’s a lifesaver — it’s wonderful to have,” she says of the program which provides fresh produce, canned goods and dry food that will help her fill her pantry despite her low income.
Every year, most of the seniors in the program are also eligible for the generous Thanksgiving dinner which is delivered to their homes. The special delivery arrives well before Thanksgiving, with all the fixings for a delicious meal which DC-area recipients prepare for a special dinner at home.
“I share my Thanksgiving dinner with two seniors who live across the hall from me – they are 104 and 105 years old,” says Arabella Bussey, 57. She says she likes to be able to spend Thanksgiving with her neighbors, seeing as her children don’t live near her.
The special holiday meal package includes a turkey breast, potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, a canned vegetable and some fruit for dessert.
“I’m looking forward to this year’s delivery,” Ms. Bussey says. “It provides the nutrition we need.”
This year, the Capital Area Food Bank has expanded its Thanksgiving program, known as Bringing in the Birds with Bucks, to include more seniors. Given that many seniors help support family members, we want to have enough food for their families as well.
Our goal this year is to provide meals for 3,900 senior citizens.
We are asking for your generous contributions to help us reach our goal of providing a Thanksgiving meal to our wonderful senior citizens.
