Food Shelf News – April 3, 2019
Many people wonder about the relationship between the Vermont Foodbank and the Charlotte Food Shelf. The Vermont Foodbank secures large quantities of food from grocery stores, food manufacturers, farms, businesses and elsewhere. The Foodbank does not give food directly to individuals makes it available to a network of food shelves and other sites with food distribution programs. Currently, the Charlotte Food Shelf is one of 215 network partners in the state working with the Foodbank to make sure that everyone in Vermont has adequate food.
As well as distributing food, the Vermont Food Bank visits local members in the network to seek suggestions for ways to work better together to provide the best possible nutrition to help low-income members of our communities throughout the state. Part of the visit also involves making sure that member sites provide a clean and organized location for food storing and distribution. Thanks to all the hard work of our many volunteers, the Charlotte Food Shelf passed this inspection with flying colors.
Mon-do-min
Take a look at the Foodbank logo. There’s a wonderful story drawn from Abenaki legend explaining this logo, a black bird with a kernel of corn. The black bird symbolizes the vessel for gathering, the yellow kernel, the food we share, and Mon-do-min, the act of nurturing others. It is a good story for a family to talk about. With that story in mind, we give thanks to our community nurturers.
Thank you to Community Bakers who provided chocolate cake, frosted cupcakes, cookies and bars for the March distributions.
Thank you to the generous people who donated the $40 Walgreens and Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards anonymously.
Thank you to the Charlotte Congregational Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel members for their Lenten Food Drives, stocking the food shelf with much needed food items aimed at children—such as healthy cereal and after-school snacks. A special thanks to Mary Gable for donating cereal and to Bethany Myrick for the bountiful supply of canned goods.
Thank you for financial contributions from Margaret Berlin, Nancy & David Pricer, Henri Proutt in San Francisco, Charles and Elisabeth DesLauriers, Anne Castle, Robert and Kathryn Mesaros, and Cynthia Marshall.
Rummage sale alert
The Charlotte Grange, longtime supporters of the Food Shelf, holds its semi-annual rummage sale this week: Friday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 8:00 a.m. – noon (Bulk Rate Day). Come and find clothes for the whole family as well as household items, kitchen wares, knickknacks, toys and games, and lots more. And the proceeds benefit the community.
Wish list
The next time you go shopping for groceries, think about adding some after-school snacks for kids. On the Food Shelf wish list: Rice Krispies, Cheerios, pudding cups. We also need vegetable oil and toothpaste.
Important distribution dates at the Charlotte Congregational Church
Wednesday, April 10, 24: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 11, 25: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Financial assistance:
As a reminder, the Food Shelf has some funds available for emergency assistance with fuel and electric bills. You may contact Pat Rodar at (802) 425-3083 if you need assistance.
We are available to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor.
For emergency food call John at (802) 425-3130. For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Pat at (802) 425-3083. For more information call Karen at (802) 425-3252.
Donations
We are a volunteer organization, so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food or assistance to our local neighbors in need. Should you wish to honor someone with a donation, a special acknowledgement will be sent to that person. Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445. Thank you.
Donated food drop-off locations
All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. Please check expiration dates.
We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf before the Wednesday distribution hours or before 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings.
Baked goods for the Hunger is Hard (Baking is Easy) group can be dropped off on the Wednesday distribution dates by noon at the Congregational Church or at Holly Rochefort’s house at 86 Spear Street, where a bin sits on the porch.
The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days/times are posted on bulletin boards in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall, at the Charlotte Library and at the Charlotte Senior Center. You may also call the Food Shelf at (802) 425-3252 for a recording of the distribution times.