Sometimes, problems hide in plain sight. One of these problems is food insecurity, defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as having insufficient money or resources to have or acquire enough food to meet needs to live an active, healthy life.
In the wake of severe flooding and seemingly unrelenting rain, Vermonters continue to pull together and support one another.
May is a time of renewal. The birdsong, rich fragrances and floral hues of Vermont tend to provide inspiration to labor, be it in the garden or at the food shelf.
As we look forward to spring, we also note that the pandemic hunger relief program is coming to an end. Nationally, starting in March, $3 billion in monthly food stamp benefits will cease.
In two recent issues of The Charlotte News, Maj Eisinger and I wrote articles about the problem of food insecurity on behalf of Charlotte Food Shelf and Charlotte Grange respectively,
As I write this, overwintering birds scratch at black sunflower seeds, seemingly preparing to brave the brutal cold forecasted for the upcoming weekend.
This holiday season, Charlotte Food Shelf is so grateful for the community generosity that has helped support multiple households, including 26 children, who are in need.
As days grow colder, and the hours of darkness increase, the Charlotte Food Shelf prepares to provide warmth and nourishment in the holiday months.
During Hunger Action Month in September, the White House hosted the Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.
With apologies to George Gershwin, we note that although it is summertime, living isn’t always easy.
This wonderful community continues to work together to support all who live in and love this town.
What does the Food Shelf have in common with Australian magpies?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food to maintain an active, healthy life.
The Food Industry Association has noted that weather related crop losses, global logistics, lack of domestic raw sugar cane supply, a 70 percent increase in soybean oil costs, shipping box shortages and workforce challenges are all contributing to supply chain problems and higher food prices.
People matter! The Vermont Foodbank is a member of Feeding America, which developed out of the idea of one man: John van Hengel.
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.
We are grateful to live in a community committed to reaching out a helping hand to our neighbors. Ours is a community that steps up with basic monetary support and, from ears of corn to ceramic bowls to winter coats, finds constructive and creative ways to offer help.
VERY IMPORTANT: Note the new time. Starting Dec. 2, the Food Shelf will be open every Wednesday from 4–6 p.m. This new time will allow for some daylight.
Although Thanksgiving and December holidays are on the horizon, we do want to note that our dedicated volunteers added Halloween festivity to the late October distribution —with a clown, a cowgirl and a boat captain working curbside and a backdrop of orange and black decorations, cobwebs, a pumpkin, and spooky eyes lighting up the entrance.
Throughout the year, the Food Shelf rejoices in the ongoing stories of our community reaching out many helping hands. Many contributions are anonymous and go unrecognized but certainly not unappreciated. This month we celebrate our library and its great dilly pickle event.