Minister Brug and Freegan Food Foundation Launch Food Assistance Pilot for Elderly Households
Sunday, May 25, 2025
In a decisive effort to meet the growing needs of Sint Maarten’s elderly population,
Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Hon. Richinel Brug,
has partnered with the Freegan Food Foundation to launch a targeted Food Assistance Pilot.
This initiative directly supports the most at-risk senior citizens,
thereby fulfilling the Minister’s commitment to protect vulnerable groups within the community.
Beginning June 1st, the program will enroll 60 senior citizen households into the Freegan Food Foundation’s food assistance system.
During this initial month, the Ministry and the Foundation will actively collect and analyze data to assess the specific needs of each participating household.
Subsequently, in July, August, and September, the program will expand to include 100 senior citizen households, thereby increasing its reach and impact.
Meanwhile, over 120 seniors already benefit from the Freegan Food Foundation’s ongoing efforts.
This new collaboration not only amplifies existing support but also strategically
enhances the Foundation’s capacity to serve more elderly residents.
Clearly, this initiative marks a significant step toward broader, more inclusive food security solutions.
As a result of this joint effort, stakeholders will evaluate the program’s outcomes at the conclusion of the pilot phase.
They will then determine whether to continue the collaboration in its current form, shift to a structural subsidy model,
or broaden partnerships with additional foundations.
Importantly, all decisions will rely on the data gathered throughout the pilot.
Significantly, the Freegan Food Foundation uses a comprehensive intake and eligibility system to identify seniors in the greatest need
—especially those with dependents or chronic health conditions.
Every participant completes a one-on-one interview that evaluates income, housing stability,
health concerns, and available social support.
Given that more than 60 households remain on the current waiting list, the urgency of this expansion becomes even more apparent.
In contrast to traditional food aid models, the Freegan Food Foundation offers a dignified, supermarket-style shopping experience.
Therefore, seniors select groceries based on personal preference and household needs.
They pay a small, fixed fee, receive budgeting support, and walk away with food that suits both their tastes and nutritional requirements.
https://sxmnews.ai/new-video-kpsm-police-stopping-vehicles-maho-st-maarten/
Consequently, this method not only promotes nourishment and health but also fosters empowerment,
autonomy, and dignity—elements often missing from conventional food relief systems.
“This program is not just about providing food at a more affordable price,” stated Minister Brug.
“It’s about recognizing the value of our elderly and ensuring they are treated with respect, dignity, and care.
Accordingly, we proudly support this transparent, structured, and compassionate solution that prioritizes our seniors.”
Moreover, Minister Brug emphasized the importance of building upon systems that already function effectively.
“By doing so, we reduce unnecessary government overhead and bureaucracy,” he explained.
“At the same time, we ensure that seniors and their families receive the timely, respectful assistance they deserve.”
To learn more or to contribute to the initiative, please contact the Freegan Food Foundation at info@freeganfoodfoundation.com or call +1 (721) 580-2349.