Willing Hands has partnerships with many kinds of organizations, not just food pantries and food shelves. The Center for Safer Communities in Claremont is one example. Safer Communities offers support and crisis services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking. How does fresh food play a role in their mission? Two words: dignity and empowerment.
Safer Communities runs a shelter for survivors actively fleeing abusive homes, and Willing Hands supplies a weekly delivery of fresh food for them. Often survivors have been isolated and deprived of choice in their lives. The shelter is well stocked with fresh foods, allowing survivors an opportunity to rediscover food choice, cook meals for their families, and maybe even start their own garden! Recently, potatoes were plentiful, and one family realized they could start a small container garden with some potatoes that had gone unused.
A key component of Safer Communities’ work is empowering survivors, and Willing Hands helps achieve this. Within a dynamic of relationship abuse, someone else is in control. After leaving, survivors need to step into their power. The ease and reliability of receiving fresh foods weekly enables parents to prepare nourishing meals for their families, day in and day out. Individuals can make their own food choices, and maybe even learn about new foods and recipes. The exceptional quality of foods delivered by Willing Hands reinforces a sense of dignity and belonging. Everyone deserves fresh, local, and nourishing food!