Fresh Produce Helps Make Ends Meet

By Suzanne Willis

How do you let people know there’s a good thing going on in their community? That’s the question that Lisa Smith, Resident Services Coordinator, is asking about the monthly food distribution at the Bay Avenue Senior Apartments in Capitola.

The small pantry has been active since March 2013, and is meant to serve the Capitola Community. But it seems to be a well-kept secret. Lisa has been running the program for only a few months, and she says that some community members know about it, but it’s primarily used by the residents of the Bay Ave apartments.

Lisa said that many of the residents of Bay Ave are retired teachers. People living on a very small fixed income and the food distribution make the difference between not having anything to eat and other tough decisions.

When asked how to get the word out to the rest of the community, Bay Ave residents said to just show them a bag! It’s true, the food provided is fresh produce (onions, apples, pears, oranges, lettuce, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, etc), some basic staples (bread, sugar, chicken seasoning, BBQ sauce) and some baking chocolate treats. All would be great additions to anyone’s pantry!

When asked what they were going to make, residents told me that they would be making soup, stuffed peppers, applesauce and snacking on bagels from this distribution. It all sounded good.

The fresh produce and bread are the treasured items at this distribution. One resident said that she just couldn’t believe how the price of bread has gone up since she moved to Bay Ave four years ago. Another resident mentioned that she had had to have a liver transplant and could no longer work. She was so thankful for the food distribution, it really helped her out, as any movement was difficult while she was still recovering.

When asked what people should know about the distribution, I was told that the food is really good, that they count on it. Lisa said the distribution happens on the second Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. No proof of residency is required and the distribution is open to the Capitola community. If you would like more information about the distribution, or to let Lisa know that you’ll be coming, contact her at (831) 464-8991 or by email at bayaveresserv@gmail.com.