By Doug McDevitt

Norfolk is a community, much like any other, where some neighbors are in great need but may not know where to go or whom to reach out to for help. The good news is that Norfolk has many avenues for people to discreetly receive help. 

One such avenue is Norfolk NET, short for Networking Everyone Together, which was created in June of 2017. This is, as noted on their Facebook page, “a collaborative, grassroots effort to alleviate poverty and strengthen community relationships.” Through Norfolk NET, residents can offer goods or services to others, and people in need can find assistance. Kelly Kandra Hughes, the director of community and creativity for the Church of Christ Congregational, says that one of the biggest needs for some residents is food. The Norfolk NET partnership has five access focus points for free food pick-up: Battell Chapel, Northwest Regional High School, Norfolk Town Hall, Botelle School and the Immaculate Conception Church. Hughes says that Norfolk NET wants not only to provide nutritional food for those in need but also to teach methods for preparing healthier food. The Church of Christ recently received a grant from the Northwest Community Foundation that will enable the food pantry to purchase refrigeration units, including a freezer and additional shelving units, so that they can store fresher and healthier food. 

The Norfolk Farmers Market is another avenue for residents to find food assistance. Angela Bollard, the farmers market manager, says the market offers Barnadette Bucks, a food assistance program whereby local churches and Town Hall personnel can give out paper market money that can be used at any vendor at the market. Bollard says that this year Barnadette Bucks can be converted to a gift certificate that can be redeemed with any vendor at the market, allowing for a more discreet transaction. In the short time the market has been open this year, $200 in gift certificates have been redeemed. Barnadette Bucks can be obtained at the Church of Christ and at Norfolk Town Hall.

Food donations can be dropped off at Battell Chapel, Town Hall or the Norfolk Library. Cash donations to Norfolk NET can be sent to the Church of Christ, P.O. Box 582, Norfolk, 06058. Make checks payable to Church of Christ, with food pantry written on the memo line. Norfolk NET can also be found online at norfolkctucc.org.