Fall brings transitions to the Charlotte Food Shelf
As we move into fall, with cooler weather and the colorful display of our foliage and the many changes a new season brings, we embrace a time of transition. There are also many transitions occurring at the Charlotte Food Shelf.
First, we want to extend our immense gratitude to Maj Eisinger, who is moving on to new and exciting things in her life. Her wonderful writing, which captured the essence of our work and the generous support from our community, was always informative and a pleasure to read. Her dedication and commitment to our food shelf and our mission was greatly appreciated. She will be dearly missed, and we wish her the best with all her endeavors.
As we go forward, we welcome aboard Katherine Arthaud, who has agreed to assume the responsibility of writing our Charlotte Food Shelf articles.
A colorful summer harvest is spread out on a table at the Charlotte Food Shelf. If you have surplus from your harvest, please bring it to the food shelf’s 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, distribution.
The food shelf is also finishing up its summer grant programs: Vermonters Feeding Vermonters and Farm Stand Together. We thank our partners, the Charlotte Berry Farm, Frog Song Farm, Fat Cow Farm and Wild Roots, as well as the Vermont Food Bank. This collaboration is essential and enables us to distribute delicious and nutritious local products to our families.
We are grateful for many donations received this past month. The beautiful flowers from Hillary Maharam always bring smiles and good cheer. To all those who shared from their home harvest and brought us local produce, like the delicious cucumbers from Steve Epstein and Jill Moore, your hard work and generosity makes a difference.
If you are still harvesting and have an abundance, please bring them to our Wednesday distribution 3-6 p.m. on Sept. 25.
Along with our regular distributions, the fall brings other programs. Our Shoe In program provides sneakers for Charlotte Central School students who are in need. Our winter clothing drive, which is organized in collaboration with the Grange, will begin in October.
In the next two weeks there will be more information shared outlining specific needs and how to donate. Katie Shearer, from the food shelf, and Alicia Cooper, from the Grange, are spearheading this effort. We got a head start with our winter clothing when we recently received beautiful handmade hats and mittens from the Gregorek family.
Unfortunately, food insecurity and the need for assistance is still present in our town, our state and our country. The work we do as a community would not be possible without financial support. We appreciate this past month’s donors: Giles Anderson, Stephanie Wells, Jocelyn Schermerhorn, Lynne and Stephen Hale, Margaret Berlin, Kathleen Nolan, Jessica Shevitz Rauch and Jeremy Rauch.
The food shelf also benefitted from the proceeds from the yard sale organized by Lynn and James Williams.
Another significant transition for the food shelf over the next several months will be reorganizing and updating our space in the basement of the Charlotte Congregational Church. The food shelf has obtained a Capacity Grant from the Vermont Food Bank, which will allow us to purchase new shelving, new storage containers and a new refrigerator.
Our goal is to create a more efficient and appealing space for our families and volunteers. This is only possible due to the generosity of the Congregational Church working with us to better utilize all the space in the basement and provide us with more flexibility. They are truly an amazing partner, and we want to acknowledge them for all they have done and continue to do for us. We will keep you updated regarding this transitioning project and our needs for manpower and additional financial support.
The following donations of non-perishables are always helpful: snack foods, condiments, sugar, dish detergent and shampoo.
Food is provided at 403 Church Hill Road, behind the Charlotte Congregational Church on the second and fourth Wednesday (4-6 p.m.) and second and fourth Saturday (9-11 a.m.) of each month. For all other inquiries please call 802-425-2402.
Charlotte Food Shelf and Assistance also provides limited utility, rent, medical/dental, school supply and other emergency assistance to residents of Charlotte and North Ferrisburgh. If you or someone you know is facing unexpected hardship, help is available. Call 802-425-2402 or fill out a request form. Request forms are available during Food Shelf open hours, or on our website.
As we transition into the colder months, monetary donations are appreciated to help our families with utility bills. Tax-deductible donations can be addressed to: Charlotte Food Shelf, Inc., P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445. An easy way to donate is through the PayPal button on the website.