In the Community

LISTEN Food Drive Exceeds Goal

Once again, Lebanon Co-op shoppers have shown their generosity during the annual LISTEN Food Drive. Donations of non-perishable food items exceeded 1,700 pounds in the month of June.

"The Co-op’s food drive comes at a critical time in the year," says Lenona Ryder, Food Programs Coordinator at LISTEN. "We experience an increase in requests for food assistance as soon as summer vacation begins." Many parents rely on hot lunch and breakfast programs to provide adequate nutrition for their children. When the school year ends, those families may turn to LISTEN for help in feeding their active, growing children. The LISTEN food programs sees a 20 to 30 percent increase in activity over the summer, according to Ryder.

For many people, June is a month of celebrating personal accomplishments such as graduations and weddings. Contributors to the LISTEN Food Drive can feel a sense of accomplishment in what they have given to the community. Each box of cereal, can of fruit, or cash donation toward the purchase of items by the case has a positive impact on the health of Upper Valley children and their families.

From the Co-op and the staff at LISTEN, "thanks" to our Food Drive volunteers — Judy Houde-Hardy, Victor Kalina, and Dick Petrie — and to all of you who participated!

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