When Covid first emerged in mid-March, extensive anxiety and uncertainty arrived in its wake. Fears and frustrations gave rise to an array of proposed limits on social gatherings and travel. But in the words of our dear Mr. Rogers, when scary things arise, “look for the helpers.” In the past few months, we discovered that all kinds of previously unknown helpers found the Island Food Pantry of Martha’s Vineyard. Businesses that were struggling themselves, Island residents of all types, and seasonal visitors who are here for only a few weeks or months a year, reached out to us to take contribute their time and resources to ensure that no one on the Island would experience the scariness of not having food.

During the pandemic, the Island Food Pantry has been overwhelmed with a sudden and unexpected increase in requests for food. Our number of visitors rose by over 250 families within a matter of weeks. Since Memorial Day, we’ve supported over 2,000 visits, providing wholesome food to almost 1,500 Islanders, including 388 children and 200 seniors. New volunteers were recruited to replace those who were unable to sustain their prior commitments and we now have a roster of over 200 members. This summer we also instituted a new home delivery service — staffed largely by our volunteers — to reach those unable to visit the pantry during our operating hours.

Our capacity to respond to the Covid challenges could not have occurred without support from an incredible mix of Island-based businesses, local charitable foundations, and generous donors. Over 1,300 individuals and organizations have contributed to the pantry since January 2020, a 50 per cent increase in the number of donors over 2019. Gifts have come through a variety of sources, including a private golf club, fishing tournaments, Island grocers, contributions from farms and fisheries, energy and construction firms, art and jewelry sales, religious groups, a Cinco de Mayo challenge, bank foundations, and many others.

Let us hope that this blending of generosity from multiple sources continues to shape the future of all Island nonprofits as we struggle through uncertain times. Our deep thanks and gratitude to all our helpers.

Margaret Hannemann and Kayte Morris

Chilmark and Vineyard Haven

The writers are board president and executive director for the food pantry.