provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FISH of SANCAP is enhancing its food pantry efforts with a monthly distribution of Fresh Meal Baskets, which include ingredients and a recipe for a healthy, home-cooked meal. It’s open to anyone.
The program aims to support those facing rising grocery costs and promote family dinner time at home. FISH ran a successful soft launch of the program in March, distributing 121 baskets to island residents and the local workforce.
The March baskets, themed “Eat the Rainbow,” highlighted the importance of eating fresh vegetables daily and included ingredients for a vibrant meal. The April basket theme will be Easter. Community distribution will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15-17 at 2422 Periwinkle Way while baskets last.
The Fresh Meal Basket program is funded in part by a CDBG micro-grant. It comes at a time when many on the islands struggle to recover from the effects of Hurricane Ian in 2022 and additional storms in 2024; plus, the rising cost of groceries adds to the burden.
“The cost of groceries has skyrocketed, and we’re seeing more working families and seniors stretched beyond their limits,” said FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza. “Our Fresh Meal Baskets not only offer nourishment but also ease the pressure many are feeling as they try to make ends meet in the wake of disaster and economic uncertainty.”
To learn more about the Fresh Meal Basket program or how to support FISH OF SANCAP, visit www.fishofsancap.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.