Food shelf news – April 22, 2021

Announcement from Peggy Sharpe, Food Shelf Secretary
The Charlotte Food Shelf is now accepting paper goods—paper towels, Kleenex-type tissues, paper napkins and toilet paper are all welcome. Items can be left on the covered entry hall at the back of the Congregational Church on Wednesdays (our distribution day) or at the drop box for the Food Shelf at the library. Thank you so much for your ongoing support of our community Food Shelf.

Here is a sample of items we welcome for Summer Kid Snack Bags. Photo by Karen Doris
Here is a sample of items we welcome for Summer Kid Snack Bags. Photo by Karen Doris.

Announcement from Karen Doris, Food Shelf President
We are planning for healthy snacks for the kids this summer: snacks and non-perishable lunch items. We would definitely appreciate donations to help with this important program for kids. For some ideas, take a look at the picture.

Reminder
Vermont continues to sprint to the finish line with its vaccination rollout. On Monday, April 19, Vermont opened up COVID vaccine registration for everybody 16 and older. Appointments can be made through the Health Department website or by calling (855) 722-7878. This includes clinics run by the Health Department, National Guard, Costco, Walmart and Hannaford. You can also register at Walgreens, CVS, and Kinney Drugs.

Please note: Appointments are required. Clinics cannot accept walk-ins. You will make your second-dose appointment at the time you receive your first dose.

Charlotte’s VaxHelp volunteers are here to help
Do you have questions about the vaccine? Need help signing up for a vaccine? Need a ride to a vaccine site? Three ways to contact VaxHelp:

By phone: (802) 425-3864 (Charlotte Library).
Send an email
Online at the Charlotte Library.

Sign up for the vaccine on the Library porch. There is a Chrome book available to use during library hours with links to sign up for the vaccine, vaccine information and to get assistance from VaxHelp. Get vaccinated and celebrate Spring!

Our public library working to bring more spring celebration
Get inspired to start your own garden with a Garden Starter Kit provided by the Charlotte Seed Library! Kits contain a few seeds each of a mix of popular vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. Come on in and pick one up!

Keeping safe
The Food Shelf continues to take precautions to help everyone keep safe. Anyone who has a fever or cough—or symptoms that might seem like a cold—should not come to the distributions. Also, don’t come if you have been in contact with anyone who has these symptoms. Instead, call (802) 425-3252 and leave your name and number. You will receive a call back and we will come up with an assistance plan. We need to help families and volunteers stay safe.

Financial assistance
Reminder: The Food Shelf has some funds available for emergency assistance with fuel and electric bills. Call (802) 425-3252 if you need assistance. For emergency food, call John at (802) 425-3130.

Check the Food Shelf website for more information of different types of financial assistance and eligibility. Applications are available at the Food Shelf and online. The website also contains information about other Vermont resources offering further assistance.

The Charlotte Food Shelf, Inc. is a nonprofit organization supported by the Charlotte Congregational Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and the Charlotte community. Our organization is run by volunteers, and all donations made to the Food Shelf go directly for nutritious food and assistance to our neighbors in Charlotte and North Ferrisburgh.

Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf and Assistance, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445.

We offer our thanks to all who find many ways to offer assistance.