Agenda for April 15 Interfaith Meeting

Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative

Meeting: April 15, 2011, 10 a.m. to Noon

First Baptist Church of North Adams

1). Welcome/introductions.

2). Announcements.

3). Moment of silent prayer.

4). Update on Letter Carrier Food Drive (Dick Dassatti, Al Nelson, Corrine Case)

5). Evaluation of Food Pantry operation after eight weeks. What has gone well, what could be improved.

A). Impressions of what has gone well and what can be improved in food pantry operation.

B). Letting people know what we have that week; equipment; parking, what else?

6). Finding more sources of food.

A). Can we get larger allocation from the Western Mass. Food Bank? Including possibly buying food at reduced cost? Should we take a trip to Hatfield?

B). More work with local supermarkets?

C). Working with local faith communities for donations of food and

funds?

D). Working with national companies and non-profits, including to get donations of toiletries not covered by Food Stamps?

E). Locally grown produce?

7). Start to identify grants for things we can use, whether food, equipment or training?

8). Beginning preliminary search for larger space in downtown NA.

9). Other business. Update on voucher system (Stuart Crampton)

10). Next meeting Friday, May 20. Guests are available to come who wish to speak to grassroots groups about affordable housing.

Adjourn