“Sales of daffodils have started, are going well,” organizer Martina Eastman told the Livermore Falls Advertiser recently. “People are really responsive.”

Local restaurants Chuck Wagon in Livermore Falls and LaFleur’s in Jay also support the fundraiser by placing fresh daffodils on their Mother’s Day tables, Eastman said.

When the daffodils would be ready was unpredictable this year, she noted. “First it looked like we would be early, then suddenly we had two snowstorms in a row that slowed things down,” Eastman said.

The program sees “flowers basically converted to food,” Eastman noted. Thousands of daffodils will be cut from her gardens and those of friends to cheer community members while helping those in need, she stated. On average some 25 volunteers give of their time picking daffodils, bundling them into bouquets, delivering them and/or being at sites where they are available each year, she said.

Client use at Food Cupboard JLLF has increased, Eastman stated. “Donations have decreased in proportion,” she noted. “Food costs have gone way up. The cupboard purchases most of the food, which has also increased expenses. The food cupboard also has ongoing overhead such as rent and snow removal. Some $12,000 more was spent on food and overhead than was brought in by donations.”

Space is rented from St. Rose Community Center in Jay for the cupboard, Eastman said. Grants are being looked into, she noted.

“Donations are needed to sustain the cupboard,” Eastman stated.

The flowers for food fundraiser is again honoring the memory of Marcel Castonguay who was a very active and supportive member of the community, she noted.

“Many helpers are needed, and volunteers are always happy to return because of the pleasure they share with all those glad to see the arrival of spring with the flower of hope and the help they are able to give to fight hunger in our community,” Eastman said. “This friendly spirit is always such a warm start to a new season after a long cold winter in Maine.”

Those wishing to help with the daffodil fundraiser should contact Eastman at 207-897-3171. Checks may be mailed to FCJLLF, PO Box 314, Livermore Falls ME 04254.