Covid community funds used to buy Mission Farm fridge

July 28th, 2021 | Story by Curt Peterson | Originally Posted in the Mountain Times

Killington Select Board member Jim Haff has been managing Killington’s recycling center since the Covid pandemic began, a job that gave him an opportunity to help Mission Farm and Church of Our Savior gear up their food shelf and augment recent upgrades to their on-site bakery.

“The folks from Mission Farm came to the recycling center hoping to find a used refrigerator for their food shelf,” Haff said. Their main goal is to facilitate communal meals for food shelf clients once the Covid threat is under control, he said.

Haff “ran with the ball,” as the saying goes, and obtained a price for a brand new, energy-efficient refrigerator big enough for Mission Farm’s needs. He found one for $3,220 including delivery and set-up.

The town of Killington set up a Covid relief fund early in 2020 partially funded by $60K from Killington Resort, to help support the community, Haff said. There was $14,000 left in the balance.

He approached Mike Solimano, CEO, and Amy Laramie, manager, from the Resort, who help oversee the Covid relief fund, and they approved the purchase.

The Select Board then unanimously passed a motion to order the equipment.

Mission Farm has been in operation “on Abenaki land” since 1894, according to their website. The 180-acre property grows sustainable, healthy food, and maintains a bakery. It is a site for Everyone Eats food distribution, which will now continue through September every Thursday from 4-6 p.m.

“Meals are available to anyone — no questions asked,” said Reverend Lisa M. Ransom, executive director at Mission Farm.

The Church of Our Saviour at Mission Farm is located at 316 Mission Farm Road in Killington. Killington’s Covid relief fund now has $11,000 remaining for Covid relief purpose.

“The fund is looking for new ideas for investment related to effects of the pandemic in the community,” Haff said.