NEWPORT — The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard say they will continue to be distributing food to those in need across the state next week.
On Friday, May 1, they will be visiting the Northeast Kingdom International Airport, in Newport.
Those in need of food can come out and receive a seven-day supply of Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) for each member of their household.
The pickup will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Those who are ill, have been advised to quarantine, or lack transportation can send a friend or relative to pick up meals for them.
Those picking up food will only have to open their trunk, and the appropriate amount of food will be loaded by members of the Guard.
Newport is one of five locations chosen as points of distribution across the state to help ease demand on food shelves that have seen a surge in demand.
“The Vermont Foodbank has seen a 30 to 100 percent increase in the number of people in need of food assistance due to COVID-19,” Vermont Foodbank CEO, John Sayles said.
He says that supply chains are strong to food shelves and Vermont grocery stores are not experiencing shortages in most food items, but these points of distribution will help get additional meals to people while taking some pressure off food shelves and meal sites.
