By Megan James | November 10, 2021 | News

MIDDLEBURY — Starting Monday, November 15, the Helping Overcome Poverty's Effects (HOPE) food shelf in Middlebury is open not only to humans, but also to their four-legged friends.

This is a collaboration between HOPE (a non-profit poverty alleviation organization at 282 Boardman Street) and the Edison County Humane Association Homeward Bound, which is located next door to 236 Boardman Street. They themselves and their families. Now, the same food rack will include a range of dry and wet food suitable for dogs and cats from low-income families.

In early 2019, Jessica Danyow, Executive Director of Homeward Bound, contacted Jeanne Montross, the top manager of HOPE, to provide advice on how to provide Homeward Bound's low-income clients. This conversation led to the creation of Homeward Bound's Pet Community Outreach Resources and Education (PetCORE) program, through which income-eligible people can get free supplementary food and flea prevention agents for their animals. The program also provides customers with affordable pet health care and neutering/neutering services.

Danyow explained that PetCORE has become more and more popular since its inception—so much so that the organization began renting a large storage room in neighboring HOPE this summer to store pet food. Danyow had to hire a part-time employee to manage PetCORE.

"It was very chaotic," she said of the Homeward Bound space issue.

Since Homeward Bound dog food and cat food are already stored in HOPE, it seems natural to give PetCORE space on the HOPE food shelf. Now, those who are eligible to participate in groceries on the food shelf can put a can or a bag of pet food into their shopping cart at the same time.

Both Montross and Danyow emphasized that Human Food Shelves and PetCORE have a separate registration process. Homeward Bound and HOPE require their clients to fill out an application that includes proof of income level and family size. Both programs provide services to families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Currently, the annual income of a family of four is US$53,000.

HOPE's food shelf coordinator will maintain a list of eligible PetCORE customers. Those who appear on both the HOPE and PetCORE lists will be able to get pet food and grocery store groceries-one-stop shopping.

It should also be noted that HOPE will maintain a shelf in its lobby area with dog food that can be accessed by food shelf customers-regardless of whether they are registered with PetCORE or not.

Pet food is the only PetCORE product you can find on the HOPE food shelf; flea/tick treatment and other PetCORE services need to be picked up directly from Homeward Bound.

Most PetCORE food is donated by Homeward Bound sponsors or purchased at reduced prices, including individuals and stores. Danyow said that he is very grateful for the donations, which are particularly useful because they allow Homeward Bound to direct resources to where they are most needed. Pure cat litter is always needed. If you want to feed it, please be aware that wet cat food—especially the 9 Lives and Friskies brands—is in high demand, according to Danu.

Montrose pointed out that we must not forget human beings, because food racks can always use auxiliary tools.

According to Montrose, condiments, peanut butter, 64-ounce juice containers, baking mixes, and Progresso soup are particularly needed today. HOPE has launched separate food activities for its annual holiday gift boxes and children who need supplementary food during school holidays. Need to donate holiday meal side dishes-such as canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pie fillings, etc. Foods suitable for children include pre-made macaroni and cheese, canned fruits, snack bars, cereals, biscuits, biscuits and juices.

If you have a large amount of food to deliver, please call HOPE (802-388-3608) in advance.

HOPE officials also want to ensure that people stay warm this winter. The organization has long been helping people who are at risk of shutting down utilities, and now the non-profit organization has a large amount of wood to share with low-income people in need. Montross explained that in the recently completed tunnel project in downtown Middlebury, HOPE was the recipient of several trees felled in the right of way for the railway. The volunteers graciously chopped down the piece of wood and it is now ready for use.

Next time you visit Homeward Bound, please consider bringing a friend home. According to Danyow, the organization has six dogs and many cats/kittens for adoption.

The PetCORE app is available at Homeward Bound's headquarters or online at homewardboundanimals.org. For more information on Hope Food Shelf and many other programs, please log on to Hope-vt.org.

The email address of reporter John Flowers is johnf@addisonindependent.com.

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