June Newsletter
Lev's Corner
Dear Community,
I am pleased to share that the Amherst Survival Center will celebrate Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, this year. In observance of Juneteenth, we will be closed on Friday, June 18th and our Saturday open pantry & curbside hours will be on Saturday, June 12th (see below for details). Deliveries scheduled for the 18th have been rescheduled as well.   

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally recognized celebration of the end of chattel slavery in the United States. At the end of the Civil War, enforcement of the end of slavery and freeing of enslaved peoples progressed very slowly due to resistance of local white elected leaders across the south. Juneteenth, June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 (more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation) when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX and the 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were freed. It has come to represent and celebrate the emancipation of all African descendants who were enslaved in the US. 

The state of Massachusetts formally declared Juneteenth a holiday in August of 2020 following a summer of a racial reckoning in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd at the hands Minneapolis police officers.  

As part of the Center’s anti-racism work, with a particular eye towards food justice, we understand that we must acknowledge the systemic and generational effect that enslaving four million Black people had on the nation. The systems in place and justifications for slavery are many of the same systems and justifications used today to maintain systemic racism and brutality towards Black people today.  

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, a holiday of rejoicing. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate survival. This holiday also invites us to reflect on our nation’s history, the ongoing impacts of racism in America, and to commit ourselves to the ongoing work of promoting racial justice each and every day.  

Come gather with your neighbors at the Town of Amherst’s first day-long Juneteenth celebration. Or, join the New York Public Library’s celebration of Juneteenth by reading something from their Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List or participating in one of their events. 
In celebration and reflection, 
Lev Ben-Ezra 
JUNE SCHEDULE CHANGES
SATURDAY ASC FOOD PANTRY HOURS
FROM 9am-12pm ON JUNE 12th
CURBSIDE PICKUP FROM 9:30am-11:30am.

THE ASC IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY JUNE 18th AND SATURDAY JUNE 19th!
JOIN US TO HONOR KARA!
It is with a heavy heart that I share that Kara Schnell has made the bittersweet decision to resign from her position after 13 amazing years at the Center to pursue other adventures and next steps in her career. She began as a half-time, temporary bookkeeper and we have all been lucky to continue to benefit from her incredible accuracy, judgment, ethics, and commitment to the Center as she, the Center, and the position have grown. She has seen the Center through three EDs, enormous transition, a capital campaign, and a pandemic. She has seen staff, volunteers, and community members come and go, has been a compassionate listener and problem solver, and has been a core leader as the Center has grown its programs and impact. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are deeply saddened to be losing Kara's presence at the Center, and we are excited for her to take this leap of faith toward her next right thing!
* * *
JOIN US TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE KARA!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2021
DROP-IN ANYTIME BETWEEN 10:30-12. PUBLIC REMARKS AT 11.
OUTSIDE, ASC PARKING LOT, MASKS REQUIRED.
Please park on Cowls Road (past the Center, first right) to keep the parking lot open for our gathering. Limited handicap parking will be available in the lot.
* * *
WE ARE HIRING! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
Seeking an experienced senior finance professional to manage the Center’s finances, planning and budgeting, human resource compliance, administration, and facilities. The Director is a key member of the Center’s leadership team and plays a critical role in strategic decision making and operations of the organization as we work to increase our impact and operationalize our anti-racism values across the organization. Experience overseeing human resource and operations functions strongly preferred. Proficiency in QB Online and Excel required. Must have exceptional judgment, professional ethics, and integrity, and bring a strong appreciation for the organization’s mission, values, and approach including reliance on in-kind contributions. $65-72k DOE plus excellent benefits.

See www.amherstsurvival.org/jobs for job description with full qualification and duties, benefits information, and application instructions.
WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF!
Joel Gladu (he/him)
Please join us in welcoming Joel Gladu (he/him) as our new Kitchen Assistant. Joel recently returned to the Amherst area where he grew up and joined ASC as a volunteer.

He brings over 20 years of experience in the food service industry and loves working as part of a team to make delicious flavor combinations and food for all.
Elizabeth Morrisey (she/her)
Elizabeth joins us as the new Food Pantry Coordinator: Delivery & Administration. Elizabeth has loved volunteering at the Center over the last two years, as well as serving as a substitute coordinator in the Community Store and providing administrative support last winter. She is deeply committed to helping our community as a part of the ASC team. Her background includes experience in education and administration.  
Kendell Sweeney-Thomas (he/him)
Please join us in welcoming Kendell as our new Pantry Assistant. Kendell brings an enthusiasm for helping others and improving communities. He brings a varied background and skills ranging from business administration to theatre to journalism, and is excited to put them to use serving the Center's participants and its mission. 
DO YOU NEED FOOD?
Free groceries (10+ days worth) for all household members including produce, frozen meat, milk, eggs, and shelf stable goods once per month. Open to everyone in our service area*. No income cap. No citizenship questions (our services are not subject to the Public Charge rule). No ID or documentation required. Can register and take food home in the same day.

Registration: https://amherstsurvival.org/foodpantryonlinereg/ (Or register in person, by phone 413-594-3968 x109, or we can mail you the form to complete at home.) 

In Person Pick Up
  • M/T/Th/F 12pm-3pm & 3rd Sat of the month from 9am-12pm
Curbside Pick Up
  • M/T/F 3pm-4pm, Th 5pm-7:30pm, 3rd Sat of the month from 9:30am-11:30am
  • must sign up in advance here: www.calendly.com/amherstsurvival or by calling the pantry at 413.549-3968×109
Delivery

*The Food Pantry is available to residents of Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Sunderland, Ware and Whately, and to those who are currently homeless.
DO YOU WANT GROCERIES DELIVERED?
If you live at any of the following locations, we have room on our once monthly delivery and are currently enrolling new households:
  • Colonial Village Apartments (Amherst)
  • 1st Tuesday of each month
  • Rolling Green Apartments (Amherst)
  • 2nd Tuesday of each month
  • Presidential Apartments (Amherst)
  • 2nd Friday of each month
  • Village Park Apartments (Amherst)
  • 3rd Monday of each month
  • Brandywine Apartments (Amherst)
  • 4th Monday of each month
  • Boulders/ReNew Apartments (Amherst)
  • 4th Thursday of each month
Email pantry@amherstsurvival.org for more information!
Need grocery delivery and live somewhere else? Email pantry@amherstsurvival.org 
to learn about delivery availability in your neighborhood.
MOBILE FOOD PROGRAM
Upcoming Dates:
  • July 7th
  • August 4th
  • Sept 1st
1st Wednesday of each month
1pm-2pm Located at The Boulders
156 Brittany Manor Dr, Amherst, MA
The food bank truck will be in a NEW LOCATION AT THE BOULDERS:
the parking lot near apartments 115-125
Free produce & bonus items, no registration, drive through pickup, and open to everyone!
Brought to you in partnership with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
CURBSIDE PICK UP AT THE ASC!
Did you know that the ASC offers Curbside Pick Up? There are plenty of pickup times available!

M/T/F 3pm-4pm
Th 5pm-7:30pm
3rd Sat of the month 9:30am-11:30am

Must sign up in advance: www.calendly.com/amherstsurvival or
by calling the pantry at 413.549-3968×109
COME TO OUR ANNUAL MEETING!
The Board of Directors invites you to join our annual public meeting. This is an opportunity to hear updates about the Center, learn about our plans for the upcoming year, and share your feedback and ideas about the Center with the Board - how we are doing and how we can best serve our community. All are welcome!

June 15th at 5:30pm

Click here for the zoom link to the Annual Meeting!
JOIN US FOR CENTER CHATS
You are invited to our (virtual) Center Chats! 

Do you want to know what's happening at the ASC? Do you have feedback or suggestions for things we can do better? Join Lev (Executive Director) and Lisa (Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator) and other members of our staff team for an informal conversation over zoom. 

Click on the date for the zoom link:

For more information, email info@amherstsurvival.org.
We hope to see you there!
ASC COVID PROTOCOLS
While we understand everyone's urgency to ditch masks and "return to normal," we remain focused on safety for all and continuity of operations.

Therefore, regardless of vaccination status, everyone must follow the safety protocol at the Center. This includes:
  • wearing a mask on ASC property (both inside and outside)
  • answering COVID questions before entering the building
  • following social distance guidelines

We anticipate additional updates to these protocol over the coming months, and ask you to be conscientious and respectful of the rules we have in place, which have kept us all safe thus far, and have ensured food access to all of our community members, including those with severe health risks and those who are not vaccinated yet.
ASC GARDEN
Through the generosity of community members and several experienced volunteers, the ASC is starting a mini garden plot! The herbs, hot peppers, and other ingredients from the garden will be used by our Community Meals Team to increase the quality of our meals.

We can't wait to see how our creative Community Meals team uses the herbs and veggies in lunches for our community! Meals are distributed outside from 12pm-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. All are welcome!
VOLUNTEERING THIS SUMMER!
If you are interested in becoming part of the ASC volunteer team, either volunteering on site or doing pantry grocery deliveries, please email Lisa at volunteer@amherstsurvival.org to learn more about our virtual volunteer orientations.

We are looking for volunteers who are available to do doorstep delivery of pantry grocery orders on the morning of the first Thursday of the month and the afternoon of the third Wednesday of the month. Volunteers must be able to lift 40 pounds and have the use of a vehicle.
FUN FRIDAYS AT THE ASC!
Back by popular demand! Friday music at the ASC! Join us on Fridays throughout May for outdoor music. Marcella, ASC Service Coordinator, cultivates themed playlists as a way to spread joy to community members. We are having so much fun with themes ranging from show tunes, Pride Month, funk & motown, to songs picked by staff!

All of our Amherst Survival Center playlists are available on Spotify. We hope you will follow us!
COVID INFORMATION
Local, Free Testing
Community COVID-19 testing, now for individuals 4 and up, at the Mullins Center is available four days a week. Hours: Mondays: 7 am to 3 pm, Tuesdays: 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesdays: 10 am to 6 pm, and Thursdays: 7 am to 3 pm. 

See their website for more information and to sign up for testing: https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/communitycovidtest 
MA Covid Vaccine Information
Phone Line: 2-1-1, open Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

UMass Walk In Vaccine Hours: https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/vaccine
Bangs Community Center Walk In Vaccine Hours: https://www.amherstcovid19.org/vaccine
CDC Guidance
Advice from the CDC on how to stay safe and help keep others safe once you have been fully vaccinated can be found here.

Please note that the CDC guidelines for individuals (regarding personal choices to safeguard one’s own health and safety) and employers (regarding employer responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all employees) vary significantly, and both are different from the MA reopening plan, (which attempts to balance goals for reopening the economy with public health) and individual town mandates. We continue to monitor and utilize the CDC employer guidelines in determining requirements for people at the Center. As noted above, masks are still required for everyone at the Center regardless of vaccination status. 
ASC INFORMATION SHARING
Would your organization, school, business, or congregation benefit from learning more about the services that are offered at the Amherst Survival Center?

If so, please email Lisa, ASC Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at lsolowiej@amherstsurvival.org. She will find a way to connect with your community, either in person, virtually, or through paper materials.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP DURING JUNE
PAPER BAGS AND EGG CARTONS
We package our grocery in paper bags to make delivery and pick up easier for community members and frequently have to repackage eggs to distribute.

Please drop clean, untorn paper bags and/or clean egg cartons off to door under carport/by side door off Sunderland Rd., anytime between 9am-4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Thank you!
INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS
There is an ongoing need for donations of incontinence products, such as adult briefs (depends), bladder pads, and bed pads. They are an item that is very frequently requested by pantry participants but rarely donated.

Donations may be dropped off to door under carport/by side door off Sunderland Rd., anytime between 9am-4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Thank you!
VICTORY GARDEN KITS
Last year, with the pandemic creating uncertainty and food shortages, Laurenitis Farm generously donated "Victory Garden Kits": boxes of vegetable starts that people could plant themselves, providing fresh produce all season. 
This year, we are working towards the goal of being able to provide 600 Victory Garden Kits–a big goal over 150 from last year! Kits are created at a cost of $25 each. Please consider supporting this effort. You can contribute to the GoFundMe that Laurenitis Farm created. You can also donate through Paypal (paypal.me/LaurenitisFarm) or Venmo (@klaurenitis). Laurenitis is accepting funds through a donation jar or added to your purchase ath their farm stand.
THANK YOU!
OUR GRATITUDE TO FLORENCE BANK AND ITS CUSTOMERS
We would like to thank Florence Bank and all of its customers who voted for the Amherst Survival Center in the 2020 Customers Choice Community Grants Program. Because of you, we were awarded the highest amount possible - $5,000 - to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors.

Voting is now open for the 2021 Community Grants season. Please take a minute to vote online or in any branch if you are a Florence Bank customer. We’d appreciate it!
PERSONAL CARE ITEM DRIVES
Thank you to the JCA of Amherst and the South County Senior Center for hosting personal care drives throughout the month of May to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. Thank you for the personal care items that you shared with the community.

If your organization is interested in hosting a drive, please email sez@amherstsurvival.org to learn more details.
A huge thank you to the following businesses, organizations, and community groups for providing critical financial support for our operations in the last month:
Allways Health Partners, Amherst College Terras Irradient A Capella, Astarte Farm, Florence Bank, and South Church Amherst.
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Onsite Hours: M/T/Th/F 12-3pm & 3rd Sat of the month from 9-12pm
Curbside PickUp: M/T/F 3pm-4pm, Th 5pm-7:30pm, 3rd Sat of the month 9:30-11:30am
must sign up in advance here: www.calendly.com/amherstsurvival or call 413.549-3968×109
Delivery: schedule varies depending on location, email pantry@amherstsurvival.org

For up to date information about our programs and safety measures,
Amherst Survival Center | PO Box 9629, 138 Sunderland Road | North Amherst, MA 01059