Weekly Email Update 8.30.20

Weekly Email Update 8.30.20

"I don’t begrudge the parents who have the means to afford it, but I do begrudge the system that allows it, knowing this will mean some kids get further ahead while others, who don’t have the means, fall further behind."
Tyrone Howard, 
Director of the Black Male Institute and Professor of Education, Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion at the Graduate School of Education & Information Studies at UCLA, 
on how some communities in the USA are turning empty schools into for-profit learning camps and day care centers during Covid 19.

     We hope you are enjoying some down time this weekend, WeCAN Friends. Your Friendly WeCAN Admins would like to give a small reminder to all our social justice group leaders, activists, artists, makers, allies, lawmakers, and advocates to get your Fall workshops, classes, virtual events, socially distanced meet-ups, and creative get-togethers into us ASAP. The longer events run in the Weekly Email Update, the more eyeballs it will reach! So send your listings, questions, and suggestions to [email protected] soon!
     Lastly, a personal note from your Editor, Joanna: I want to say a brief "Thank You" for being a part of this project, Friends. This is our 200th (!) Weekly Email Update and, while I wish this project was no longer needed, I am so thankful and proud to be a part of this community where this resource--and all the events in it-- is available. Thank you for reading these emails, sending in your comments and notes of encouragement, and for showing up for your neighbors; it truly matters. Thank you, too, to Friendly WeCAN Admins Leslie and Sam: I am filled with gratitude for your patience, intelligence, and kindness. Thank you for the late nights, early mornings, and for giving of yourselves to make this project a reality. 

HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, AUGUST 30th, 2020

Share the Harvest Stand
brought to you by Edible Brattleboro
Sunday, August 30th, 2020, and every Sunday during the Summer, at the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street in Brattleboro, VT, 05301. 11am-1pm. For more information please email [email protected]. Please wear a mask. 
Pick up FREE fresh veggies and/or drop off surplus from your garden to share. Please supply your own bags.  

 

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Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Sunday, August 30th, 2020 at the Townshend Commons (Route 30, Townshend, VT). 3pm-4:30pm. Masks required, please follow social distancing guidelines. 
After yet another unarmed black man has been shot by police it's time to gather once more to stand in solidarity with black people around this country who continue to be mistreated, hurt, and killed.
Please bring your signs, your friends and families, and please remember to wear a mask and to practice safe social distancing.
We will be collecting donations for Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust.
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National Event: The People's Convention
hosted by Movement for a People's Party
Sunday, August 30th, 2020, Online. 4pm-6pm. For more information and to register, please go to https://peoplesconvention.org/.
The DNC will have Biden, the Clintons, and John Kasich at the Democratic Convention. The RNC will have Trump, Pence, and McConnell at the Republican Convention. And MPP will have Sen. Nina Turner, Dr. Cornel West, and Jimmy Dore at The People’s Convention.
On August 30th, thousands of people from across the country will gather to discuss the state of the nation. Sen. Nina Turner will deliver a speech titled, "Choice, Challenge and Change: The Necessity of a People’s Movement".
At the conclusion, participants will vote on forming a major new political party in America. A party free of corporate money and influence. The People's Convention will mark a turning point in our nation's history. The moment the people of our country broke from the beaten path and willed a new future into reality.
Press release:
https://peoplesparty.org/the-peoples-convention/

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, AUGUST 31st, 2020-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th, 2020

Everyone Eats! EXTENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 11th, 2020!!
Monday, August 31st, 2020-Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 at the C.F Building (80 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm-6pm. Masks required. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. You can pick up meals for up to three households including your own. If you have any questions visit https://www.brattleboro.com/everyoneeats/ or contact Frances Huntley [email protected]. Organizational ordering information is listed under our Free and Nutritious Food in Windham County section further along in this email. 
Everyone Eats! is a program which will distribute meals from Brattleboro restaurants to anyone in need who lives in Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, or Vernon, free of charge, through December 11th. There will be 850+ meals/day available Monday through Thursday to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pick up for individuals will be at the C.F. Church Building at 80 Flat St in Brattleboro and group/institution orders can be picked up at Mama Sezz in West Brattleboro. All meals are available Monday-Thursday between 4pm and 6pm until supplies run out.
If you have extra produce from your garden, there will be a wheelbarrow you can drop it off in on your way out of the pickup site. Participating restaurants will use the donated produce in making more meals.
The meals are free, but if you would like to make a monetary contribution to help make more meals possible for others, it will be gratefully received. The base cost of each meal is $10 but any amount will be appreciated.
Which restaurants are contributing food? A Vermont Table, Dosa Kitchen, Duo, Hazel, Indian Masala, MamaSezz, Porch Too, The Works, and Yalla. Each restaurant will contribute meals two or more days a week. You will receive one individually packaged cold ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinner for each person you request a meal for. Meals will be distributed cold, so if you are driving a distance, delivering to other households, or distributing through your organization, consider bringing a cooler if you can.

 

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The Politics of Debt and the Green New Deal with Nick Biddle, PhD.
part of Talk About Our Democracy-Marlboro
Monday August 31st, 2020, Online. 6:30pm.
To join the Zoom meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77817122214?pwd=M1VwamtTVzZVMFJSSVZyTzVXKy9BZz09
Meeting ID: 778 1712 2214
Passcode: XY8L2V
Since 1980 one of the persistent myths in American politics is that Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility. Yet, in every Republican administration from Reagan forward, the deficit has ballooned while in every Democratic administration it has diminished. What is going on and what does it mean for the immediate future? From healthcare to student debt to environmental crisis, massive structural reform and repair are absolutely needed now. This presentation seeks to show that the tools to make a green new deal real depend upon pulling the curtain back on the politics of debt.
Nick Biddle is a retired professor of Latin American History, and a Brattleboro resident.
Organized by We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights For All- Positive nonviolent public action for democracy and civil rights for all people. Contact Woody: 802 464 3154 [email protected]wecelebratedemocracycivilrightsforall.org
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Marlboro Community Food Share
hosted by the Marlboro Community Center
Thursday, September 3rd, 2020, and every Thursday, at the Marlboro Community Center (524 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344). 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Every Thursday from 4:30pm-5:30pm the Marlboro Community Center invites you to fill a grocery bag with non-perishables and fresh local produce. No registration or eligibility required. This weekly opportunity is available for anyone who could use an extra bag of groceries or knows someone who does.
Food will be set up in the entry-way to the Marlboro Community Center. For proper social distancing, please enter one person at a time. Bring a grocery bag or use ours. Masks are required. Deliveries will be made through Marlboro Cares for those needing assistance. Please call Marlboro Cares at 258-3030 in advance to arrange a delivery.
To donate food:
Leave non-perishable food in the donation box at the Marlboro Post Office. It will be collected on a weekly-basis. (Please note that this box previously supplied the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, which is now distributing food exclusively from VT Food Pantry) 
Gardeners and farmers are welcome to donate produce. Wear masks and wash hands when harvesting and handling food. Fresh produce can be dropped off at the Community Center on Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. (Any leftover produce will be taken to FoodWorks the following morning)

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Do Police Belong in Vermont Schools?
hosted by Rights and Democracy VT, Human Rights Commission, VT Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equality in Schools
Thursday, September 3rd, 2020, Online. 5pm-6:30pm. To RSVP to the event, please go to https://secure.everyaction.com/5oWPLvcNLESQpRO9uQiisg2.
Vermonters from Burlington to Brattleboro are organizing a community forum on the question of police in Vermont schools. The first panel of a two-part series, this forum will include direct testimonials from impacted students, parents, and educators as well as a panel to discuss this important issue from various perspectives. Our second panel slated for later this fall will provide tools for our community to make the best school environment for our kids.
Panelists to be announced soon. To join the call, please RSVP via the link.


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Guilford Cares Food Pantry
Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 (and every Thursday) at Broad Brook Community Center (3490 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.  If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 802-257-0626. For additional questions or more information call 802 579 1350 or email [email protected].
The Guilford Cares Food Pantry will continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food security for all our citizens and vulnerable populations. They are well stocked with the staples you need for your family and are following viral guidelines to limit risk.
They ask that shoppers to remain in their car. A volunteer will greet you and give you a "shopping list" for you to  mark with the items you would like. Another volunteer will fill your bag  and bring it to porch where you will be asked to pick it up. Please  bring a bag for the items and a pen to fill out the shopping list. If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 257-0626
If you cannot come to the Pantry due to illness or high risk, you can call also call Pat to arrange for food delivery by a volunteer.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy.
Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

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Art for Social Change
sponsored by The Root Social Justice Center, River Gallery School and In-Sight Photography Project
Friday, September 4th, 2020 (and every Friday) at the River Gallery School (32 Main St #201, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 1pm-4pm. Masks are required. Drop-ins are welcome, come by and make some art on Fridays and help spread messages of transformation, unity and justice all over the town of Brattleboro. 6 person maximum in studiosFor more information: Jess Weitz, [email protected].
River Gallery School is offering a free open art studio at 32 Main street on Fridays from 1-4pm for people to use printmaking, drawing, and painting to create art around issues of the pandemic,
social and racial justice, the 2020 election, and the climate crisis.
All materials available for free.
In addition, River Gallery School will have an art table at the
Solidarity Friday rallies in Pliny Park for art and sign making from 5pm-6:30pm.
Paste ups will be put up in town October 15 thru November 15, 2020.

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Solidarity Fridays: Our Struggles Are Connected
organized by Brattleboro Solidarity, The Root Justice Center, Tenants Union of Brattleboro and Lost River Racial Justice

Friday, September 4th, 2020 (and all Fridays) at Pliny Park (the corner of High Street and Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-7pm. Masks are required. 
Weekly protest at Pliny Park focusing on a variety of current local and national issues. Bring your signs, banners, chalk & noise makers to Pliny Park and rally for the world we want.
(This week we will make signs in yellow and black to promote consistency and solidarity among our coalition).
This week, we make connections between the struggles of the people on a global scale. From the annexation of land and occupation of Palestine, to brutal weaponized tactics of Federal agents against Portland protesters, to the systemic racism rampant across the world, and to local efforts toward examining police brutality and safety in Brattleboro, in the diversity of our struggles we are all united!
Show Up! Participate! Discuss!
For the safety of ourselves and others, masks are REQUIRED at Pliny Park! We will have extra masks to pass out to those without one. Hand sanitizer will also be available.
This week, consider bringing a donation for Groundworks Collaborative! See their wishlist below!
-Deodorant
-Disposable Razors
-Umbrellas
-Mens belts
-Notebooks and pens
-Playing cards and classic board games like chess
-Benadryl
-Sunblock
-Bugspray

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

2020 Rich Earth Institute Virtual Summit: Reclaiming Urine as a Resource
hosted by Rich Earth Institute
Tuesday, September 15th, 2020-Thursday, September 17th, 2020, Online. Begins at 2pm. Admission By Donation. To RSVP: https://forms.gle/vTmFqEvBG5oW3tj7A. Proceeds will support members of the Container Based Sanitation Alliance who provide access to dignified, safe, and affordable sanitation in dense urban areas otherwise lacking in options. Please direct all queries to [email protected].
Join us to discuss the future of urine diversion and its re-use as a fertilizer!
For the past five years, the Rich Earth Institute’s annual urine diversion summit has brought together researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry leaders, and students, catalyzing new collaborations and partnerships as we continue to grow the body of knowledge about this innovative practice.
This year, we’re bringing our conference online for the first time! We hope this will enable a much wider, global audience to participate in the discussion as we exchange ideas for the future of urine diversion. Recordings of each panel will be made available after the event to accommodate time zone differences and other scheduling conflicts. RSVP now for updates about the conference, including registration information, panel themes, topic lunches, and more. Event registration is now open!
Call For Presenters!
Have research results, a project, or other experience you want to share? Submit an abstract for a 6-8 minute lightning talk through the RSVP form.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nancy G. Love
Dr. Nancy G. Love is the Borchardt and Glysson Collegiate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University Michigan, and an adjunct Professor at the Institute of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa University. In collaboration with her students, Dr. Love works at the interface of water, infrastructure and public health in both domestic and global settings. As Principal Investigator of the National Science Foundation’s INFEWS project: Advancing Technologies and Improving Communication of Urine­-Derived Fertilizers for Food Production within a Risk­ Based Framework, she will discuss this collaborative project and her vision for the future of urine diversion and reuse.

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Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training
hosted by Tapestry and Opioid Task Force
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020, Online. 10am-11am. To join the zoom call please email [email protected].
Please join Tapestry and the Opioid Task Force on Zoom for a free online overdose prevention and Narcan training.
Participants will learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose as well as how to administer Narcan. All are welcome, please join us!

 

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

BLM Mural in Putney Needs Volunteers
(email [email protected] if you want to stay in the loop or be a coordinator, especially if you live in Putney!):
     "The Selectboard has approved the mural. After two conversations we decided that the seemingly best place for it is in front of the Putney Central School on Westminster West Road.
Next steps. I roughly figure we will need for folks to take on and implement the following rolls. If you see a hole, please let me know. Please email me directly if you are interested in any of these rolls, have suggestions, or questions. I am hoping that we can have these rolls filled and plan an online meeting in the next few days.
Project coordinator -
  • someone that can take on a whole project management roll, communicate through different phases with town management and the Selectboard and help organize all the other coordinators
Fundraising Coordinators
  • Check in with town manager to see how any extra funds be deposited to town fund for the Equity and Inclusion Committee's future projects
  • Create clear language for a fundraiser that talks about the purpose and what will happen with all funds. Fundraiser should be set at $500 to cover all paint needs.
  • Launch fundraiser throughout community
A Logistical Coordinator
  • Reaches out to the school to share the chosen location and invite in
  • supports with traffic coordination and traffic impact community outreach
Painting Coordinator
  • Takes measurements of space
  • Works with Ward Joyce on template and execution of painting
  • builds community painting teams
Safety Coordinator
  • supports the safe execution of this project including supporting social distancing and masking while working
The Selectboard meets again on Wednesdays at 5:30pm, through GoToMeet.me - Town of Putney - Selectboard
It would be ideal if we had all volunteer rolls filled and an online meeting together before then. Once I have a sense of who would like to do what, we can figure that piece out.
Thanks all!
I am so excited that we are going to make this happen!
Laura"

 

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Do You Live in Brattleboro and Want to Help Address Community Safety Needs? (e.g. Police, emergency responses,etc)
Applications are due by Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

The Brattleboro, Selectboard is looking for you to join the all-new Community Safety Review committee.
About the project: https://www.brattleboro.org/…/Community_Safety_Review_Facil…
Fill out your application at: https://www.mapsonline.net/brattlebo…/…/standalone.html.php…
The Selectboard plans to appoint members of the Community Safety Review Committee at the Selectboard meeting on September 15, 2020.
In its selection of Committee members, the Selectboard will prioritize inclusion of Black, Indigenous and People of Color as well as other community members who are especially impacted: those who use drugs, psychiatrically labelled people, people with disabilities, domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, poor people, people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness, LGBTQ+ folks, and more, while not excluding community members who may not identify as part of any traditionally marginalized populations.

 

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From WeCAN Founding Member and Administrator, Ann Braden:
On July 4th Dan (Ann’s partner) suffered an inter-cerebral hemorrhage, the origins of which are still unknown. Luckily the MRI showed no tumor and he is largely his same self. It will be another 3-6 months before the blood is reabsorbed and they can find out in more detail what happened and how to treat it. For now it's all about pain management and rest.
From a Braden family friend, Katie Traeger:
Take-out meals and groceries would be greatly appreciated for the family. I'm thinking postcards would also be awesome as well, seeing as Ann is the Love Brigade postcard queen! Shower them with love and healing! You are welcome to send them grocery or restaurant gift cards from the list compiled here. All the info can be found below:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jI-7I1UiV9QtHUxh9ciuQHkOd4A9reoOiDPtkx9Oon8/edit?usp=sharing

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LGTBQIA+ Resources via Out in the Open

Out in the Open is offering a lot of resources & virtual spaces for rural LGBTQ folks in this time, friends. The full list and calendar is on our website hereWe have a Community Care Offers & Asks list, and a list of Rural New England Mutual Aid opportunities, with specific resource links for LGBTQ and QTPOC folks. Out in the Open also has a Slack channel for rural LGBTQ folks to share resources and connect outside of social media. Email [email protected] for more information.

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For MASK information, please see our permanent resource here: https://www.wecantogether.net/masks

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Online Religious Services

All Souls U.U. Sunday Services
Sunday Mornings at 10am. 
To get the current information on an upcoming service or vespers check the All Souls web page at www.ascvt.org.

 

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COVID 19 RESOURCES: VERMONT

Money for Past-Due Rent in Vermont During the COVID-19 Crisis
If you need help paying your rent and you have a very low income, call 211. Otherwise, contact your landlord and apply together for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program.
For help with past-due rent, Vermonters should apply for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA). VSHA is accepting applications from landlords and tenants, and paying landlords directly to bring the tenant’s rent account current.
The program pays up to the VSHA payment standards. If the landlord wants payment, the landlord must agree to waive rent amounts in excess of the payment standard for all the months paid for. 
When the landlord accepts the money they have to promise to: 

  • drop any eviction 
  • not start a new eviction for the same number of months (up to six months) in the future as the money pays for
  • not raise the rent before January 1, 2021, or the end of your lease term — whichever is later, and 
  • make sure the unit is up to code in 30 days.

Important: VSHA has to have applications from both the landlord and the tenant. You should talk to your landlord and agree on the amount you owe. Make sure that amount is on both applications. Apply for this rent help on the VSHA website. If you need help with your landlord, an eviction, or applying for the rent help, contact us at Vermont Legal Aid.

 

Statewide Mutual Aid
organized by Brenda for Vermont
Localized Mutual Aid has been organized in Brattleboro and Putney and hyper local neighborhoods in Marlboro.  If your community does not have mutual aid or you can't find it, please sign up to volunteer or if you are in need of help.  All of us will likely be on the side of being able to help and needing help at times.  Please don't hesitate to ask for help.
Sign up here if you would like to help your neighbors or are in need of help:https://www.brendaforvermont.com/cms/help-your-neighbor/
The links below will take you directly to the mutual aid forms. 
To Volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkRnbDKtNX_SacVaHWPyIAnsSXDGLsDMZE8vys25nzTgUo5A/viewform
If You Need Help: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw7gg12KNq6n4s7SDUxf1ghMx-0MD3S0RCWQtxqmPTJQI8QA/viewform

 

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A Message to Vermonters from Senator Bernie Sanders

As a member of the United States Senate, I want to make sure that the citizens of Vermont receive all of the federal benefits and help to which they are entitled. Although I cannot guarantee a particular outcome, I want you to know that my staff and I will do our best to respond to your concerns.
To contact Senator Sanders with a question, concern or comment please use this link: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/services/casework/.
If you want to contact me about your views and concerns regarding legislation and other issues important to you please use the COMMENTS FORM
If this is an emergency, please call: 802-862-0697 (Out-of-State 800-339-9834).
Note: We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries. As we do our utmost to assist vulnerable Vermonters, please only complete the form above if you are requesting assistance. Go to General Comments to leave comments and opinions.

 

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Social Justice Resources

ROOT SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER MUTUAL AID & SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
The Root Social Justice Center is collecting a list of contacts and resources to help support and assist with the needs of their Root community members. Join if you are in need or are able to help.

 

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FREE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN WINDHAM COUNTY

Brigid’s Kitchen, St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro 802-254-6800 or 802-558-6072 
Grab-and-go lunches and fruit/nuts on Mon, Weds, Thus, and Sat, 11:30am-12:20pm.
Loaves and Fishes, Centre Congregational Church 193 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-4730
Grab-and-go lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm.
VT Foodbank and Veggie Van Go will be at Brattleboro Union High School (Fairground Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in the parking lot, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 10am-2pm. Drive up, touchless pickup. Walkers welcome, too. Call VT 211 for more information. 
Foodworks, the food shelf program of the Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org (802) 490-2412, [email protected] 
Households in need of food are asked to call or email to coordinate delivery. There is an urgent need for volunteers, and Foodworks has set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to help.
Guilford Food Pantry 
Every Thursday at the BBCC (3940 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy. Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.
NEW: “Everyone Eats!” Food Relief Program Information
If you have questions, contact Frances Huntley at [email protected]
What is this? Everyone Eats!, a food relief pilot program in Brattleboro, leverages federal relief funds to engage local restaurants in making to-go meals for anyone in Brattleboro, Guilford, Vernon, Dummerston, or Putney whose food security has been challenged by the COVID-19 crisis due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, and other financial challenges. With eight Brattleboro restaurants, Monday through Thursday, through December 11th, 2020.
When? Monday – Thursday 4pm-6pm
Where?  Individuals/households will be able to pick up meals in the parking lot of the Church Building on Flat Street on a first-come-first-served basis. Organizations will be able to pick up pre-ordered meals at Mama Sezz in West Brattleboro.
Who is eligible? Anyone whose food security has been challenged by the COVID-19 crisis due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, and other challenges to well-being who would get relief from receiving meals may participate.
For Individuals
When and where can I receive meals? Meal distribution for individuals is first-come-first-served. Pickup is from 4-6pm on weekdays Monday through Thursday in downtown Brattleboro (location TBA).
Is it free? All who would benefit from a meal are welcome to participate.
Can I give something back to help the program? There is no obligation to pay it back or forward. If what you have to offer in return is your thanks, that’s enough. But if you can share veggies from your garden, there will be a drop-off location on site for bagged or boxed contributions; as much as possible will be used in future meals. And if you would like to make a monetary contribution to help make more meals possible for others, it will be gratefully received. The base cost of each meal is $10 but any amount will be appreciated. Touch-free options for donation include Venmo, Paypal, mailing a check, or providing a donation at the time of pickup.
What will I receive? You will receive one individually packaged cold ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinner for each person you request a meal for.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan/GF options? Yes, you will request your meal choice at the time of pickup.
Is there a limit to how many meals I can get? You can request one meal per person per day for each person in your household. Please note that there is a limit to how many meals will be produced each day. We hope to serve everyone who makes a request but we cannot guarantee it. Meals will be first-come-first-served.
Can I pick up meals for another household? Yes, you can pick up meals for up to three households including your own.
Will my meals be hot or cold? Meals will be distributed cold, so if you are driving a distance, delivering to other households, or distributing through your organization, consider bringing a cooler if you can.
For Organizations
As a representative of an organization, can I request meals on behalf of my clients? Yes. We invite organizations to do bulk pickups for distribution to those they serve.
Is there a limit to how many meals I can pick up? No, but you will need to reserve meals in advance each week using this form.
What will I receive? You will receive individually packaged COLD ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinners for each person you are willing to distribute a meal to.
What options are available? You will choose how many of each type of meal (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan/GF) and which days you will pick up meals for distribution.
Who will be making the food? These meals are being made by independently-owned local restaurants.
Will I need to pick up our meals, or will you deliver to my location? You will need to pick up your requested meals and distribute them to your clients. We cannot deliver them to you.
When and where do I pick up my meals? Pickup for organizations is from 4pm-6pm on weekdays Monday through Thursday in West Brattleboro at Mama Sezz, 127 Marlboro Rd.
How do I request meals for bulk pickup? Organizations must submit their request forms two weeks before the first distribution week and one week before the second, third, and fourth distribution weeks. To get more information about participating and request a form for the first week, contact Frances Huntley at [email protected].
Will I receive a confirmation? After your meal request form is received, you will receive an automated email via Google Forms.
When do you need my form by? Meal request forms must be submitted by the Thursday prior to the week they are for (except for the first week, which must be submitted two weeks prior). You will need to submit a new form each week. If you have already received meals in a prior week, you will receive an email reminder for later weeks.

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Vermont WIC is Responding to Covid 19
We are moving to phone appointments to align with social distancing efforts. If you have opted in to email and text notifications, you will receive important program updates, including information about local office hours and changes in operations. Our website will be kept up-to-date as well. Contact your local office with any questions about breastfeeding, nutrition or shopping. Call 1-800-649-4357 or email [email protected] with any questions about WIC nutrition services and enrollment.

P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) is Available in VT
Many families in Vermont were notified that they would be receiving a food benefit called Pandemic EBT (or P-EBT). P-EBT is loaded on a card and can be used to purchase the groceries at many grocers and farmers markets. If you have school-aged kids, contact your school district to apply for free school meals. If approved, you'll automatically receive P-EBT. 
If you’ve already received P-EBT and also participate in WIC, use your WIC benefits first, as WIC benefits do not rollover month-to-month. dcf.vermont.gov/press-releases/P-EBT

 

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ADDITIONAL COVID 19 RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THEIR PERMANENT HOME ON OUR WEBSITE, HERE: https://www.wecantogether.net/covid19_resources

 

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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN

Rapid Response Text Alert System

When WeCAN began, Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

  

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM. To stream live, visit: www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353

 

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    Have a fantastic week, WeCANners, and thank you for your ongoing support! 


Your Friendly WeCAN Admins,

Joanna and Sam