Got fresh eggs? Help us feed our neighbors in need!

By Ira Richards

While we are still taking orders for started pullets, West Lebanon Feed & Supply has officially closed the books on 2009 baby chick orders. With one more delivery scheduled for July 10th, our total count for delivered baby chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese has reached a new high of 7,013 birds! Add that to our 2009 delivery of around 1,300 started pullets (estimated) and our total count for the season looks like it will come in at a new record of over 8,300 birds (and counting!)

That would help explain why we have seen so many more "Fresh Eggs" signs at the bottom of so many more driveways. We have had customers come in to our store and say things like, "I got eight chickens from you but I didn't realize I'd be getting up to eight eggs a day!" or, "I used to give eggs to my neighbors, but now they're raising chickens too!"

So maybe now you are getting more eggs than you need. What can you do?

Why not help us get those eggs into the hands of hungry Upper Valley families? If you have not heard, West Lebanon Feed & Supply has launched a program called "Share the Harvest" and, in partnership with Willing Hands, we are trying to raise donations of 250-dozen eggs per month (in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables) that will be distributed to those in need throughout the Upper Valley. The donations have already started pouring in, but we need your help to meet our goals and get lots of fresh foods into the hands of those who need it most.

Why are eggs so important?

You are probably aware that there are several organizations in our area that distribute food to the ever-growing number of homeless and needy families in our area. What you may not realize is that, due to the difficulties and costs involved in handling meats, dairy products, and fresh foods, most of the items made available is limited to non-perishables. Those non-perishable foods are often higher in preservatives and sodium, lower in vitamins, proteins, and nutrients, and do not always provide the most balanced nutrition.

Eggs are one of the most complete protein sources available. They also stay fresh longer and come complete with their own anti-germ, protective shell. This makes eggs a viable nutrient source that is safer to handle and keeps longer than meat. The fresh eggs and produce that are collected through the "Share the Harvest" program will go a long way to provide healthy nourishment to supplement the non-perishables being provided through other organizations.

How can you help?

If you are interested in helping us put fresh foods into the hands of our neighbors in need, please come to our store and sign up to contribute your surplus eggs, fruits and vegetables to "Share the Harvest." We are asking participants to make a commitment to donate but we will certainly not turn away donations. Please make sure that your donated produce is clean and fresh and then you can drop off your donation at our store. We'll take it from there and make sure that your generous contributions are delivered to Willing Hands for distribution. Thanks for your help!