Mad River Valley Emergency Response Team Announces “Neighbors Shopping for Neighbors” Program

March 31, 2020 (Waitsfield, VT)— In an effort to minimize the number of people shopping for groceries in Mad River Valley grocery/convenience stores, and to minimize staff member exposure to shoppers, the Mad River Valley Emergency Response Team is rolling out a “Neighbors Shopping for Neighbors” program. This program formalizes what some Mad River Valley Community members are already doing: reaching out to their neighbors to see how they can help each other during the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Neighbors Shopping for Neighbors program asks all Valley residents to be in touch with their neighbors to support each other during Covid-19. Could you offer to grocery shop for an at-risk neighbor while you do your own shopping? Or would you benefit from a neighbor grocery shopping for you, so you can stay home and stay safe through the Covid-19 crisis? 

This program encourages ALL residents to be in touch with their neighbors at this time, and to see how they can help one another. Offer to be of help, or conversely, ask for help, to keep yourself safe. 

The Governor’s order to Stay Home/Stay Safe mandates that all citizens stay home except for essential tasks that include grocery shopping, exercise, and health-related issues. Minimizing trips to the store, and exposure in the store, are crucial to containing the virus. Those citizens who are shopping are reminded to practice social distancing while shopping (for other shoppers and shop employees) and to NOT horde large amounts of supplies. While grocery shopping in a small town is often a form of socializing, this, too, should be minimized at this time.

If you are someone who would benefit from assistance from a neighbor, please call Lynn Barnes 802.496.4746 and mention the “Neighbor Shopping for Neighbors “program.

The Mad River Valley Emergency Response Management Team and volunteer coordinators are in continual contact with, and report to, the select boards and towns of Waitsfield, Fayston, Moretown, Warren.