I am writing as a board member and weekly volunteer at the Northampton Survival Center, in response to the article about the impact of the government shutdown on people in Hampshire and Franklin counties. The Northampton Survival Center is available, year-round, to anyone in our 18 service communities who is low-income and experiencing food insecurity for whatever reason, whether it be a layoff, overwhelming medical expenses, temporary loss of pay or the high cost of living while supporting a family. Our staff and volunteers are here to help, and we strive to assist people with respect and dignity and do our best to help in whatever ways we can by providing food and assistance with accessing other resources in the community. The government shutdown is affecting many people in our region, and we are in a unique position to help, because of what we do well: providing healthy, nourishing food in an atmosphere of caring and respect. If you know of anyone who is in need, please send them our way.
Margaret Miller
Florence