When it comes time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday afternoon, it’s important to remember the families who aren’t able to afford such a feast. On Friday, Nov. 16, hundreds of Islanders will walk out of the First Baptist Church parish house with turkey and all the trimmings as part of the Family-to-Family food distribution. The annual program makes Thanksgiving meals available for qualifying families, thanks to the generosity of Betty Burton and volunteers of her food distribution program, Serving Hands.
New to the distribution this year is fresh cranberries, in addition to the regular options such as potatoes, onions, squash, carrots, spinach, and more.
The MVRHS girls hockey team and Martha’s Vineyard Charter School will be there to assist in meal distribution. Individuals can come between 1:30 and 3:30 pm to pick up items.
Coordinator Burton reminds us that after 3:30 sharp, leftovers will be taken to the Coast Guard station and to Vineyard House. Make sure to get there during distribution hours before what’s remaining is donated.
Family-to-Family was founded in 2004 as an extension of Serving Hands, which distributes food to Island families from the Greater Boston Food Bank. In 2004, Serving Hands started handing out turkeys this time of year, and from there, the program evolved into what it is today.
In the 14 years since the program began, the number of holiday meal recipients has grown to more than 250 families. It has also evolved to include more fresh produce, versus canned goods.
For more information on Family-to-Family food distribution, contact Burton at 508-560-3667. Tax-deductible donations to Family-to-Family can be made through the Vineyard Committee on Hunger at P.O. Box 4685, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.