According to Claire Mello from the Eliza Dolittle Foundation, the foundation serves around 300 families regularly, but they have seen an uptick in recent weeks. This is typical as the winter months near.
“ This time of year seems to be a bit harder for families, so I expect that some of the clients who we have not seen for a while we may see coming back more regularly as Christmastime approaches and even after Christmas,” Ms. Mello said.
The center is open from 10am to 2am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 10 to 12:30 on Saturdays.
“ Once registered, people can pick up a bag of groceries for their household once per week,” she said. “ If they cannot get to the pantry, they can have a friend or family member pick up a bag of groceries for them.”
Originally established to feed only the island’s homeless population, Eliza Dolittle changed their mission in 2010 to address anyone who may be food insecure on the island. Anyone can register either in-person (at 64 Middle Road in Warwick), or on their website at theelizadolittlesociety.bm
Being involved with non-profit organizations for over 20 years, Ms. Mello lost her job and the charity that she helped run during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, she came to volunteer at Eliza Dolittle in August, starting with eight hours a week.
“ When it came to applying for the job [at the center], I was truly hooked and humbled by the courage that it takes for people to stand outside and ask for help,” she said. “ It’s an incredible opportunity to be of service to the community.”
On behalf of the entire organization, Ms. Mello would like to thank all of their sponsors, without whom they would not be able to operate the way they do.
“ Most of the food that we give out in grocery bags is food we purchase, but wholesalers and grocers also give us donated food, which we put out in front for our clients to select from,” she said. “ [We would not only like to thank] the food sponsors, but also the corporations and individuals who donate dollars and time and also to our amazing volunteers who pack the bags and run the registration desk. It takes a whole community to serve a community.”
TEDS is a registered charity founded in 2002. Our mission is to provide healthy and nutritious solutions to the food insecure in Bermuda with the aim of enhancing their quality of life.
TEDS provides assistance directly to clients through our food pantry in Warwick. Clients receive a bag or bags of groceries, once per week, based upon the size of their household.
From July 1, 2020 – June 30 2021 recorded 11, 235, visits to the food pantry; to date we have recorded 4,393. We have begun to see an uptick in new registrations, and I expect this trend to continue as we approach the holiday season
How To help
Support of our food pantry operations is our greatest need and will enable us to continue to serve our clients. We gratefuly accept both financial and food donations.
We partner with companies to organize employee volunteer days and welcome individuals who may wish to volunteer their time to pack bags, assist with intake and administration.
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays: 10:00am – 12:30pm
To learn more please visit our website www.theelizadolittlesociety.bm or contact the Executive Director, Ms. Clare Mello 333-4483
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