Barnstable County’s ARPA Initiative Bolsters Cape Cod Council of Churches’ Services to Vulnerable Families
ARPA Impact Spotlight
As part of Barnstable County’s commitment to distributing ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to support Cape communities, the Cape Cod Council of Churches (CCCC) received one of 20 grants awarded to the non-profit sector in May of 2023. This funding has enabled CCCC to expand resources for families with infants and individuals facing food insecurity. Through its Hands of Hope Food Pantry program, CCCC has been able to enhance services and meet rising demand across the region.
In response to critical needs stemming from the pandemic, Barnstable County’s ARPA initiative has allocated nearly $40 million in grants to local governments, nonprofits, and organizations across Cape Cod. The process drew overwhelming interest, and 69 impactful projects were funded.
Since the pandemic the CCCC Hands of Hope Food Pantry program has seen a notable increase in clients needing for food and essential resources. With Barnstable County’s ARPA support, CCCC purchased a refrigerated van in May 2024, allowing for the safe transport of fresh, nutritious food.
“This van will serve many of our most vulnerable clients for years to come. We all learned during COVID that distribution is key to food access. The van provides reliable, regular transport of goods to feed our neighbors,” said Edye Nesmith, Executive Director of CCCC.
Recently, Ms. Nesmith, Chef and Program Director Dan Miville, and Administrative Manager Julie Malloy visited Barnstable County ARPA staff to show them the van and thank them for their work in supporting vital community outreach and service by means of funding this, and all other County-funded ARPA projects in the region.
