Connecting those that need help with those that want to help can often prove the biggest obstacle to meeting needs in a community. With many residents struggling to put food on the table, one local woman found a way around the obstacle through the creation of the ‘Vernal Meal Exchange/Leftover Pick Up’ Facebook group. “I started seeing an increase of anonymous posts on the Vernal Moms chat page and the Vernal Strong page for food,” shares Dakota Mecham. “After learning that SNAP benefits may not come through either, I couldn’t think of a way I could help without needing a lot of funds. After I made too much dinner one night and I was putting away soup leftovers, I thought of a meal exchange…and an online group seemed like the best way to connect the most people without bogging down other community groups.” Close to 200 members joined in the first two days and so far the system is working well. “I just hope people will help spread the word, participate in the exchange, and also not feel bad using the pick up!” explains Dakota. “Every one of us is closer to needing help than we realize.” The ‘Vernal Meal Exchange/Leftover Pick Up’ Facebook group is private but anyone can request to join by agreeing to follow the page standards.
