SERVE New England, also called SHARE New England, no longer exists

I had put up information on this organization in a previous post because I assumed they were still running.  But it’s a good thing that I tested the link I’d provided, because in so doing, I found out that their website doesn’t exist and the domain is expired.  I Googled SERVE and found out that apparently in 2010 there was some trouble regarding a payment they were supposed to send to a farming organization that provided for them, and this payment didn’t happen or there was some sort of trouble with it.  The USDA closed down SERVE’s operations.  Problem was, folks that needed food didn’t get their food.  They had paid into the organization $26 in food stamps or cash and expected a delivery of groceries that never came.  Folks tried to contact SERVE and found disconnected numbers and got the runaround.  Here’s a link to a document describing what went on with the consumers and then what followed:

http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/234120-food-co-op-ordered-to-dissolve

I notice that the Watertown town website still has SERVE listed as a resource.  This is also listed on the out-of-date sheet they gave me when I went to the food pantry, which listed resources.  This sheet is accessible online as well at the Watertown town site.  Some of the telephone numbers on the sheet are defunct numbers.  Also, the Watertown town site fails to mention that the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Patrick’s Church on Main Street is available to access twice a month, not once a month as the town website states.

Somehow, I will contact the town regarding the fact that they need to update their listing, and certainly take SERVE off there, as it has been two years now that SERVE hasn’t served.

Love y’all.

USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines for School Lunch Programs and other programs – beginning July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013

I found this chart in my travels:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-23/pdf/2012-7036.pdf

I tried to post the chart itself, and got it to fit inside this post, but when I tried to publish the post it went “poof!”   The link brings you to a three-page government document of the Federal Register.  The chart is on page three, so scroll down.

These guidelines are used by schools, institutions, and facilities participating in the National School Lunch Program (and Commodity School Program), School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program. The annual adjustments are required by section 9 of the National School Lunch Act.

The Department announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by State agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and
Children Program (WIC). These income eligibility guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the WIC Regulations.

NOTE: I am a single woman 54 years old without children who is legally disabled.  My income falls just under $10,000.  This month (May 2012) I went to apply to receive goods at a food pantry in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was told that I could get food if my income was under $20,000.  There was a chart on the form I filled out showing eligibility.  I will try to find this chart, and post it here.  The chart may or may not apply to other areas of the country.  The Boston area is a comparatively expensive place to live.

Don’t go hungry.

UPDATE: I was unable to find the chart mentioned above because it was only recently, in March 2012, that the government required states to have a uniform income eligibility requirement to receive food at food pantries, specifically US Commodity food that is distributed via central food banks.  I’ve got some more links to share in upcoming posts.

Before church, last Sunday in May 2012

I decided I’d go all out and do everything in my arsenal of tricks to get my teeth clean. Teeth are nice cuz they don’t get fat, but they can weaken if I don’t eat.  I brushed them with three toothbrushes, used two toothpastes and three mouthwashes, flossed twice and scraped my tongue, not in that order.

Then I saw what I look like today.  I stood in front of the mirror (which, by the way, isn’t a crime) and I had no clothes on.  I saw the horror of what has become of my body.  Unwanted breasts sitting there.  I wish I could cut them off because they are useless.  I told myself I didn’t look forward to putting on a bra.  The bras I’m using are ones I found in my closet that I thought I’d be getting rid of, but didn’t.  Wearing these makes me feel like crap, but I can’t tolerate a nice flattening sports bra right now cuz all my clothes just plain hurt.  I have heard that people with fibromyalgia have the experience of having their clothes hurt.  That’s precisely how it feels.

But my hateful breasts weren’t the first thing I saw.  Of course, it was my bulging belly.  Could I really show my face in pubic like this?  Do I really dare to go to church today?

I took a whole bunch of laxatives this morning.  I drank a lot of water, too, hoping this would “speed things along.”  Just get this shit out of me.  It does, in fact, feel much better now.

I was fortunate that my dirty shirt is still wearable.  I walked the dog and was as negative as can be.  I realized that the truth is that no one wants to be around me anymore.

Consider the number of “downsized friendships” I have and you will know what I mean.

I know people say I am “unhealthy for daily contact.”  In other words, I am a source of ill health to them every time they talk to me.

It must be really a downer to Skype with me, cuz no one ever does that anymore.  “E-mail only” is depressing me.  I dread that day that everything becomes “facebook only.”

Yes, I do see the walls that people put up, the way they are on guard, like they’re scared or something.  I have my walls, too.    No, I do not trust people.

Along those lines all day so far.

I’m going to lie down with an alarm set and then get up.  Just too tired and falling asleep here at my desk.

Are you hungry? Food pantries, cheap food, and meals available to residents of Watertown, Massachusetts

Are you hungry?  Food available to Watertown, Massachusetts residents

I have compiled this document May 26, 2012 and will attempt to keep it updated. I will make a link so that this page can be easily found, or place this information on another site and link to it.  There are more resources than are listed here.  As I verify them, I will add them. [updated the following day, May 27, on discovery that one resource that I had listed was now defunct.]

I have added my own commentary and am trying to be as helpful and informative as I can.

As of this date, I have not yet compiled a list of food resources for children. This will come.

Please do not go hungry.  Folks at these places are very kind and understanding.  Never let anyone tell you that you are less of a person for being low income, elderly, or disabled.  In life, there are times that you give and times that you receive.  If you have the opportunity to assist someone in need, you are blessed.

 

 

Note: Watertown offers senior services to folks 60 and over.  Federal programs consider a person a senior at 65.

 

Food stamps

From the Watertown town website, senior section:
The Massachusetts Food Stamp Program, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been streamlined for seniors. Even if you’ve never applied for assistance, own your home and car, or have been ineligible in the past, here are some reasons to consider applying for SNAP:
·         During these difficult economic times, even a modest monthly SNAP benefit can help to offset some of your household expenses.
·         Using SNAP benefits is completely confidential. SNAP recipients use a card which works just like a debit card.
·         The application for seniors is shorter (only two pages) and less verifications are required.
·         If you spend more than $35 per month on medical expenses including medications and doctor’s visits, you may qualify for a $90 standard deduction. This deduction could result in a higher monthly SNAP benefit.

To apply, please call toll free: 1-866-950-FOOD (3663) Once you have applied, you will find out in 30 days whether you are eligible for SNAP.

Congregate Lunch Program

Springwell administers the federally funded Congregate Lunch Program. A $1.75 donation is requested.
Call  617-923-2769 one day in advance between 9:00 am and 10:30 am, Monday – Friday to reserve.
Call by 12:30 pm on Thursday for a weekend reservation.

Location: Woodland Towers
55 Waverley Ave., community room, wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible bathroom in the community room.  Some people like to play bingo afterward on certain days.

Monday - Friday at 11:30 am
Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 pm
Any senior can participate in this program, as well as anyone unable to prepare meals for themselves and can get a note from a dietician, doctor, nurse, etc.  If you are unable to get to the meal site, you will also need a note stating this if you need Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels

This is a federally funded program administered by Springwell for homebound elders and hospital discharges who find it difficult to prepare meals. A hot meal is delivered Monday through Friday. Frozen meals for weekends, and accommodations for special diet requirements are available. A $1.75 donation is requested. Please call (617) 972-4100 for more information.

Food pantries in Watertown, Massachusetts:

Watertown Food Pantry
I have shown up on the early side here.  There are chairs available to sit in while you wait.  When you get there, go to the table and take a little card with a number.  Hang onto this little card.  When your number is called, give the number to the guy (he’s very, very nice and introduces himself by name but I forget what his name is) and he will ask you some questions.  Then you go sit down and wait till your number is called again.  Meanwhile, you can collect two food items from a cart off to the right, and unlimited items from a long table on the left.  You never know what you will find here.  Behind the registration table there always seem to be bags of legumes available, just ask.  The volunteers will bring out a shopping basket with bags of food.  Toilet paper and Ivory soap is included if you need it.  I have been to this food pantry many times and was never told to “hurry up” the way I have been at other food pantries.

The Council on Aging administers the Watertown Food Pantry, which provides food assistance to any resident in need. The Pantry is located at:
St. John’s Church
80 Mt. Auburn St.
Watertown, MA 02472
Tuesdays, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

A parking lot is available.  Easiest way to enter (which I believe is accessible and there are no stairs between the pantry and the parking lot) is via the corner of the parking lot, which leads to a small door.  On your first visit, bring identification including proof of address (rent or utility receipt.) A five-day supply of food is available each month, as well as information about other food pantries in the area. For more information or to make a donation, call (617) 972-6429.  After your first visit, no ID is necessary, just state your name and place of residence.  They will give you a sheet with resources and contact numbers, but the sheet I received hadn’t been updated in a while, and some numbers no longer functioned.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry – Watertown residents can access this food pantry twice a month
St. Patrick’s Church
26R Chestnut St.
Watertown MA, 02472
Ph: (617) 926-7121

St. Paul’s Church is the big Catholic church on the Newton side of Main Street a few bus stops from the square, the  “Chestnut Street” stop on the 70 line.  The pantry is in the rectory further down the side street on the left.  A parking lot is available.  Look for a sign for the entrance.  This entrance is not wheelchair accessible, but I’m sure the building has other entrances that are accessible.

Until they open, there is only a small space where visitors can wait, with no chairs to sit.  This waiting space is very small, and I imagine that in winter, people have to stand outside in the cold.  If you arrive on the dot of 10 you can go in right away and have access to the best selection.  They give you a basket, which you take around the room with you and fill with what’s on the shelves.  There are instructions telling you how many of each item you can take.  There is a wide variety and you never know what will show up.  I have been allowed one item out of the refrigerator and one out of the freezer.  Once, I was able to get fresh ripe bananas and oranges.  “Dented and slightly out of date” canned food is available and you are free to take as much of these cans as you’d like.  It is not difficult to find food labeled “organic.”  Non-food items such as toiletries are available, and you are allowed one of these items per visit.  I should also add that this food pantry doesn’t seem to be need-based, because all visitors, regardless of family size, are allowed the same amount.  I think this is one reason why it can seem rather competitive there, and folks often take more than is allowed.  When you are done, bring the filled basket to the desk.  The volunteers will go over what you’ve chosen and make sure you haven’t taken more than is allowed.  When they’ve gone through my stuff, they always inform me of more food that is available there if I need it.

On first visit you need to provide proof of Watertown residency and proof of income.  When you come in the future, you do not need a photo ID.  You just tell them your name and verify your address.

Food Pantries in Cambridge that Watertown residents can use:

CAMBRIDGEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH -THE HARVEST – verified and spoke with a “real person,” but I have not been there.  Nearest T stop is Central Square.
459 Putnam Ave. (617) 576-6779; harvest@bostonvineyard.com Hours: First and Third Saturdays of each month 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.  Clothes Closet (10¢ an item) and children’s Bible Breakfast Club in addition to Food Pantry. Visits are not limited to once a month. Please bring photo I.D. on your first visit.

MARGARET FULLER NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE FOOD PANTRY –near Central Square. Cherry Street is off Main Street.  The sidewalks on these side streets are poorly maintained and not wheelchair accessible.  When you arrive at Margaret Fuller House, go to the left of the building, then go in the back.  The entrance is not wheelchair accessible. I imagine that they would gladly be very helpful if you cannot use this entryway, and bring the food out to you.  I saw signs in Haitian Creole, and I assume that if you prefer assistance in this language rather than English, someone will be able to assist you.

When you arrive, take a number from the desk.  The volunteers at the desk seem very friendly and helpful.  This is a busy place.  When you go into the inner area, your food will be waiting for you on a counter.  There are chairs available to sit, but the room is small and crowded, and lines go out the door.  They will give you the amount relative to your family size.  You do not choose any of the food, but what you don’t want, just leave on the counter.  There are large boxes available to put your food in so that you can bring it home, but I imagine that these could run out if you arrive late. Best to bring your own bags.  They give you an abundance of canned legumes and other canned food.  The time I went, they were generous with the frozen meat, but it is very poor quality ground turkey.  I went once, on a Saturday.
Here’s the address:
71 Cherry St. (617) 547-4680 They answer their phone.
Hours: Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 p.m..  Thursdays 1pm – 4pm. Fridays 5pm-7pm.  Saturdays 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Serves residents of Middlesex County. First-time visitors need to bring:

• Valid photo ID
• Social Security Card
• Proof of residence (such as a utility bill)
• Proof of income (proof of assistance from DPA, MassHealth, Section 8, WIC, etc. is acceptable)
• Proof of family size (birth certificates/ss cards for children, letter from social worker, clergy, etc.)

I was given an ID card with a number on it to keep, and told that I can visit twice in a calendar month.

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH – Project Manna – not verified.  I do not know if this pantry is still in operation.
146 Hampshire St. 617-868-4853
Hours: Usually Fourth Saturday of the month opening at 8:00 a.m. Earliness is encouraged.

HELPING HAND PANTRY – If you call here you will get a recording with information.  I left a message and asked if this food pantry was available to Watertown residents, waiting for a reply.
Here’s where to find it:
362 Wrench Ave. 617-876-4381; helpinghand@stjames-cambridge.org
Hours: Tuesday 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Please bring picture I.D. and bags if you have them. Income must fall within USDA guidelines. Once a month only

ST. PAUL R.C. CHURCH -DOLLAR-A-BAG
No papers needed – they say they are a “small food pantry” and they also said that “anyone who is alive who walks in there with bags can get up to two bags of food, a dollar for each bag “(see below).  It is run by the church, and most likely they rely heavily on donations.  This may mean that an occasional surprise donation of something really yummy might show up.  I have yet to visit this place.
Here’s the address:
29 Mt. Auburn St. (617) 491-8400 – very close to Harvard Square
Hours: Saturday 11:00 a.m.- 11:30 p.m.
Anyone may buy two bags of groceries for $1.00 each: one of vegetables, fruits, and assorted items & one of bread. Limit is two bags per visit; there is not a monthly limit on visits.  Bring two bags.

WESTERN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH – not verified, I do not know if this pantry is still in operation.
299 Western Ave. (617) 661-0433
Hours: Second Wednesday of each month 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

This list is not yet complete. There are also places you can go to get food in Waltham and other towns.

Further options are available to seniors.  Call the Watertown Council on Aging, 617-972-6490, 31 Marshall Street, for more information.

The Red Cross Food Pantry in Waltham is no longer in operation.

Serve New England – this organization has been defunct since 2010.

Serve was a nonprofit organization that that enables people to purchase nutritous groceries once a month at a reduced price. Join the program by contributing two hours of community service each month anywhere in your area.  There was a scandal when this organization folded.  People had paid into it, waited for their food, and then never got it.

Can’t get to the grocery store?
Shopping Bus
The Watertown Senior Shuttle provides transportation for shopping to Watertown seniors 60 years of age and older. The bus makes trips over specified routes throughout Watertown. The bus goes to the Stop & Shop on Tuesdays and to the Super Stop & Shop on Pleasant Street on Fridays. We request a small donation.
I believe this van is also available to all residents of senior housing, and also disabled individuals in the community.  Ask.

My note: The shopping bus frequently breaks down, or is canceled.  It is almost always canceled when it snows. Often, they cancel because they can’t find a driver.  I would not suggest relying solely on this van.  Also, the ride itself if very bumpy and uncomfortable.  Expect to sit in close proximity to others.  Also, expect others to peer into your grocery bag and make nosy comments. The driver is very, very helpful.

Note: the Stop & Shop on Watertown Street has a “dented can” section in the back of the store near the meat section.  I’m guessing that other supermarkets have such sections as well.  You never know what you will find there for dirt cheap.  When you get to the cash register, make sure the cashier charges you the correct discounted amount.

Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
Call the Hotline at (800) 645-8333 or go to their website: gettingfoodstamps.org for information about free or low cost food resources, and to receive an application for the Food Stamp program mentioned previously.

On the bus

Just running an errand, on the bus to Cambridge. All I can think about today is how much this totally sucks. What do you do when it’s just not worth it to go on?

The DMH guy was here yesterday. He sincerely apologized for having mucking up my case. Apparently my worker was supposed to be looking in on me over the past four months. I thought either she was out sick, or they took me off their roster. I guess she wasn’t doing her job. He was surprised that she had completely disregarded me all this time. I told him that she never did a thing for me, nothing. I forgot to tell him that her usual excuse was that another client had an emergency, and that I was less needy and others were more important than me. Was she even seeing her other clients?

***

Okay, back on the bus going home. I went to a different food pantry today. I don’t think I’ll be back to this one anytime soon. I had to turn down a lot of the food that they had due to the risk that I might binge on it. These included pasta, macaroni and cheese boxes, instant oatmeal, dry processed cereal, and white rice. There were many other things that I left behind as well. They gave me three thingies of ground turkey but it is poor quality. You really don’t jget anything of value.

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Still at the ER

I’m still here. I feel wicked lousy, can’t even begin to tell you. I have developed a bad headache. The nurse is coming soon. Not sure why I am getting an enema but I hope I don’t feel any worse than I already do.

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