In late May '83, the opportunity presented itself to continue our mission in a very different format. The FEMA funds were also used to cover the cost of the process by which our friends could secure food at Victory Supermarket, through a voucher system used at the supermarket in lieu of cash. Our use of the second and final grant terminated on January 31, 1984. Since that time we have secured our own funding. The voucher system, including its original design, was borrowed with permission from the Leominster Salvation Army thanks to Captain David Lyle.
Vouchers are basically credit slips to be used at the businesses.
They cannot be 'cashed in', thus Loaves and Fishes does not provide cash to our friends except in very particular and rare situations. The wonderful shelving used to store our Pantry goods was given by and constructed by the students and staff at Groton School. When there were moments of doubt and even despair and when we weren't sure of many aspects of our program and its operations, Rejeanne offered wise counsel that clearly made the difference. The following years have seen the program go through various changes in structure, but the mission and purpose of the program has remained unchanged. Our three business co-sponsors remain with us, and we would not be serving people today without their enthusiastic dedication to the program.