Remembering Tony Adlerbert, a Founder of Feed the Hungry San Miguel

When Tony and Shirley Adlerbert moved to San Miguel from Vermont more than 30 years ago, they quickly became aware of the need for nutritious hot meals for the many disadvantaged residents. For several years, Feed the Hungry existed as a neighborhood soup kitchen sponsored by St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Tony took over the struggling church outreach program and developed a new business plan which saw to the needs of school children. That became the foundation of Feed the Hungry San Miguel’s hot meals program in rural school kitchens. Although the Adlerberts eventually turned over their responsibilities to a new board of trustees, their support of the mission never waned.

Until nine years ago, Feed the Hungry was operating out of two houses, one of which was donated by Tony, on the corner of Cinco de Mayo and Calle Moras. The organization now operates out of a large warehouse. In recognition of their leadership and dedication to the wellbeing of the children of San Miguel, Feed the Hungry dedicated its headquarters to the Adlerberts in 2021.

Tony and Shirley’s legacy is evidenced by the growth of Feed the Hungry’s operations, which include kitchens in 34 schools and other poverty alleviation and educational programs in communities throughout the municipality.

For decades, the Adlerberts contributed their time and their energy to ensure the continued

success of the program. Tony served as president and executive director from 1994 to 2000 and then as a member of the advisory board. Shirley served as treasurer, led the volunteers program, and filled many other roles in the organization.

success of the program. Tony served as president and executive director from 1994 to 2000 and then as a member of the advisory board. Shirley served as treasurer, led the volunteers program, and filled many other roles in the organization.

All of us at Feed the Hungry, as well as the thousands of San Miguel de Allende residents helped by their vision and generosity, mourn Tony’s passing and send our condolences to Shirley and family. A memorial service will be held on October 15 at 11:15am at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in San Miguel. To make a donation in Tony’s honor, click here.

4 thoughts on “Remembering Tony Adlerbert, a Founder of Feed the Hungry San Miguel”

  1. Tony and I crossed paths several times during our extended time on the planet. First, we had a very short joint stint at a private country day school in NJ. Several years later, Tony visited my real estate office in Clinton as the Kislak Mortgage Co. rep. It was shortly after that when he and Shirley moved to VT.
    In another chapter in life I met Tommy Jahn through the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Boston. He knew Tony well, and we traded Adlerbert stories (there were many). Tommy was familiar with Tony’s VT extended family through Nordic skiing.
    For some strange reason I became interested in our classmates in the original school, and they asked me to hunt Tony down – see if he would come to a reunion. I think he challenged my claim on the “Least Likely to Ever Return” award at reunions, but it was really fun to get reconnected again. Since then we’ve stayed in touch via social media.
    Every time I read about another past cohort passing away, I realize how lonely a person can get when left “the last man standing”. When I read about Tony leaving us, it was a shock. He always seemed eternal, and that gave me comfort.

  2. Sandy DiBella Donnell

    So proud of what Tony & Shirley have done, but I was so very sad to read this.
    Tony, & his brother Nick were friend of my brothers & myself. He was always so sweet and kind,and even as a young man had such a caring heart.
    Tony, Shirley & their family are in my thoughts & prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Sandy DiBella Donnell

  3. Sandy DiBella Donnell

    So proud of what Tony & Shirley have done, but I was so very sad to read this.
    Tony, & his brother Nick were friend of my brothers & myself. He was always so sweet and kind,and even as a young man had such a caring heart.
    Tony, Shirley & their family are in my thoughts & prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Sandy DiBella Donnell

  4. I miss you so much Uncle Tony. I’ll always remember our last visit driving upstate NY with you and Aunt Shirl. You two were always so much fun. What a hoot you were. And so kind. I know Aunt Shirley really misses you. I wish you could have enjoyed your new home in SC much longer then you did. You left such a beautiful legacy with all of the work you both did with Feed the Hungry. You will never be forgotten. I Love You. Gina. ❤️

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_CAEN
Scroll to Top
Open chat
Need more info?
Feed the Hungry's Chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?
Call Now Button