Food shelves need lawmakers to pass bipartisan farm bill

You’ve probably heard of the Farm Bill, the largest piece of federal legislation for food and farming. The Farm Bill greatly impacts access to nutritious food for the millions of people in our country facing food insecurity and hunger.

Every five years Congress is supposed to renew the bill, so that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP) and foodbank programs can function. Yet the current Farm Bill was last authorized in 2018. Congress had until Oct. 1, 2023, to reauthorize it, but it didn’t happen.

Photo by Peggy Sharpe
From left, Meaghin Kennedy, owner of Frog Song Farm, delivers fresh produce to volunteers Sis Capeless and Janet Landrigan. Frog Song Farm was the food shelf’s partner for produce as part of a Vermonters Feeding Vermonters grant.
Photo by Peggy Sharpe From left, Meaghin Kennedy, owner of Frog Song Farm, delivers fresh produce to volunteers Sis Capeless and Janet Landrigan. Frog Song Farm was the food shelf’s partner for produce as part of a Vermonters Feeding Vermonters grant.

Instead, Congress passed a one-year extension, which ensured that the nutrition programs upon which millions of Americans depend would be funded through September 2024. But then, midnight of Sept. 30 came and went without a push from lawmakers to pass a new farm bill or grant an extension, all of which has a significant effect on how food banks are funded, as well as individual programs for school lunches and more.

As grocery prices rise and supply chain disruptions occur, it is of vital importance that lawmakers come together to pass a bipartisan farm bill that supports food banks and the many who depend on them.

Food insecurity and the need for assistance is a real thing — in our country, in our state and even in our little town. Thus, we are extra grateful to all those who have helped us in so many ways to support our community. A special thank you to this past month’s donors: Deborah Cook, Rosemary Raszka, Andrea Landau, Jocelyn Schermerhorn and Cedar Beach Association and the Charlotte Coop ladies (Anne Castle, Liz Poulsen and Mary Fisher).

In case you haven’t heard, over the next several months the food shelf will be undergoing some renovations in the basement of the Charlotte Congregational Church. Thanks to a grant from the Vermont Food Bank, we will be purchasing new shelving, new storage containers and a new refrigerator. The goal is to create a more efficient and appealing space for our families and volunteers.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity and support of the Charlotte Congregational Church, which has been working with us as we determine ways to better utilize the basement space. We thank them for their generous support.

We will keep you posted regarding this project and our need for manpower, as well as additional financial support.

The following donations of non-perishables are always helpful: snack foods, condiments, sugar, dish detergent and shampoo.

A big thank you to the Grange for the used clothing drive, now underway. Clothing will be distributed to families later this month.

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, 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 much appreciated to help our families with heat and other utility bills. Tax-deductible donations can be addressed to: Charlotte Food Shelf, Inc. P.O. Box 83, Charlotte Vt. 05445.


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