It’s been 36 years since a group of Vineyarders decided to raise awareness of those who go to bed on an empty stomach by handing out bread to people on Main street in Vineyard Haven. This year’s bread sale won’t be limited to a few slices of the white stuff, though. There will be pastries of all kinds, including gluten-free options, as well as cookies, breads and muffins for sale. All proceeds from the purchase of the baked goods benefit Island families in need.

Those first efforts to feed the hungry were made by the early members of the Vineyard Committee on Hunger (VCOH) and the tradition continues on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Bunch of Grapes book store on Main street in Vineyard Haven. Many donations come from Island bakers, but if you want to contribute some goodies of your own, feel free to bring them beginning at 9 a.m.

The Island community’s work to feed the hungry has grown since the 1970s to include the local food pantry, as well as efforts to address food insecurity in the U.S. and around the world. Members of VCOH will be available to answer any questions or to provide more information on Serving Hands food distribution, the food pantry or the family-to-family holiday meal program. The organization also sponsors events throughout the year to help educate and highlight food insecurity.

Visit hungercommittee.org for more information.