NORWICH – The cost of food has increased dramatically over the last year, and it’s getting harder and harder for people to stretch their food dollars, but Catholic Charities Roots and Wings Center has instituted a new program that could help families make their dollars stretch a little farther.

Roots and Wings began the Food Sense program with 11 people in January. By September, 109 people were taking advantage of the program. The program is designed to help individuals cut their food bills. For $15.50 a month, individuals can receive 12 to 13 food items, including meat and poultry, fresh vegetables and produce and other staples. The items change on a monthly basis.

“This program is not just for the needy. It’s for anybody,” said Roots and Wings Program Coordinator Melinda Mandeville. “The most common question we hear is, ‘if I order, am I taking from somebody in need?’ You’re not.” The program is open to anyone who wishes to participate. There are no income restrictions.

The Food Sense program is able to offer the food at a low cost because the Food Bank of Central New York purchases the items in large quantities, and the savings are passed on to program participants. “It would be double the cost if you bought the same items in the store,” Mandeville said.