Willow Drey Farm and Joe Damone Photography, are hosting a fund raiser for the Andes Food Bank.  Starting at 6 pm, with an open wine and beer bar, the festivities include dinner by Chef Liza Belle and amazing Jazz by Susan D and her trio as well as a silent auction.  For information and reservations call (607) 643-3646;   (917) 859 5397; or  willowdreyfarm@gmail.com Willow Drey Farm is located at 985 Hyzer Hill Rd., Andes.

The Delaware Opportunities  Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for Delaware County, New York issued in 2015, reported that in Delaware County, of those families with female heads of household and children present, 49.6% live in poverty.  The Needs Assessment has a section on hunger and food resources in the county. Many goals are listed, including the following:

º Strengthen the emergency food bank network

º Increase availability of food at food banks to expand frequency of use

The Andes and Bovina Community Food Bank has instituted a number of changes to achieve these and other goals.

We have:

º expanded the bank to include Bovina

º established the Snack Pack nutrition program for children

º improved communication with the community through the monthly Andes Gazette article

º diversified purchase of supplementary food items

º welcomed new volunteers

º strengthened the Food Bank management through establishing a Steering Committee

In 2015, 37% of the households registered at the Andes and Bovina Food Bank were new in 2015.

The single most important factor in the ability of the Food Bank to meet needs is the engagement and support of the community.  During the past 30 days, the following have generously supported the Food Bank:

º Andes Round Table

º Tremperskill Rod & Gun Club

º Margaretville Telephone Co.

º Richard Tucker  

FOOD BANK HOURS  

Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Volunteers Jean Butler and Ellen Weaver setting up for distribution of Christmas dinners.