Village Food Project update
We’re off and running! And doing well, thanks to an amazing group of 150 volunteers who willingly share their time and talents with us. Because of our team, The Village Food Project (VFP) is living its mission of coming together as a community of all ages, to love neighbors who are experiencing a cancer crisis by providing nourishing meal deliveries.
After only eight weeks of operation, the VFP kitchen, manned by over 36 teen volunteers and 24 adult supervisors, has served over 375 delicious and nutritious meals. The food is excellent and a true blessing.
One client who receives meals had this to share: "That was five-star, quality food. You have no idea how that meal helped us. I had an extra couple of quality hours to spend with my wife last night since I did not have to deal with cooking, and then cleaning the kitchen."
Another recipient graciously writes a weekly note to the kitchen volunteers and addresses them affectionately as "cherubs."
Most clients are estimated to remain in the program anywhere from 12 weeks to six months. For the first 12 weeks, meals are free. After that time, the clients are asked to make a donation if they are able. Since clients will graduate from the program at various times, there is an opportunity for new clients to be added, for a minimum of 12 weeks, on a regular basis.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Village Food Project client, please email info@villagefoodproject.com or call 440-348-6401. The only requirements are that clients must live in Bay Village and currently be going through cancer treatment. VFP provides healthy, whole foods-based meals for the cancer patient, as well as for their family.
"This project has far exceeded my expectations," Executive Director Barb Harrell said. "Bay Village is a wonderful community and its citizens have stepped up to really love and care for those experiencing cancer crisis. Serving is a privilege and an honor, but not always easily accepted. I am so grateful for our clients who have graciously accepted the meals. Their willingness to receive has been especially impactful on youth. These teens know that people of all ages can make a positive difference in the life of their community. Everyone has something to offer."
And the works continues this spring, as the ground begins to thaw. Then, seventh and eighth graders, supervised by adult volunteer gardeners, will begin working in the organic garden located at Forestview. The Bay Green Team has generously donated three plots to the Village Food Project.
The produce grown on these plots will be used in the VFP kitchen. Any extra produce will be donated to The Bay Food Pantry. Children younger than seventh grade may also help in the garden when accompanied by a parent.
Volunteers are also lending a hand in a number of other areas, including shopping, prayer teams, administration, composting, web design, publications, publicity, scrapbooking, card making, etc. We invite those interested in getting involved in The Village Food Project to attend our next Volunteer Orientation on Monday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Bay Presbyterian Church.
Also, be sure to watch the VFP segment on "New Day Cleveland" on the Fox 8 News website at fox8com. Finally, three fundraisers are being planned for the summer and fall. Please stay tuned for further information, as we’d love your support.
Until then, if you would like to make a donation to The Village Food Project, please do so by visiting our website at villagefoodproject.com or by mail at The Village Food Project, P.O. Box 40023, Bay Village, OH 44140. The project is totally run by volunteers, and therefore depends solely on donations for its operation.