There has been a drastic increase in the number of people seeking help putting food on their tables, and heating their homes over the past two months. Just ask Val Martel, Shelburne Food Shelf Coordinator. "We have been very, very busy--more and more people in Town have come in. They are losing their jobs, and it's scary," Martel shared. What scares her even more is the drastic cuts being made to fuel assistance programs throughout the state, and the country.

"I know of one woman in need who was only able to receive $300 to cover her fuel costs for the season; that's not enough to even fill the tank," according to Martel. Such cuts have placed a greater strain on the finances of the food shelf, since Martel is also responsible for helping residents with needs beyond their meals. These include fuel assistance and help covering medical expenses.

Dave Leland of Shelburne has been a long time volunteer and financial supporter of the food shelf. He assists Martel in the pickup and distribution of food as well as other food shelf projects. That includes the gathering of donated gifts each year for the children of the approximately 32 families served by the shelf. "The need is definitely up this year," Leland said. He reminds residents that cans of non-perishable foods such as peanut butter, tuna, canned soups, and vegetables are always appreciated.

Shelburne's first food shelf was organized through the efforts of Father Morency, former pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. He began a small "food pantry" in the basement of the church in the late 1970s. The need for such a service quickly became apparent. According to Martel, it was only a few years until Father Morency realized that the need was outgrowing the space. He contacted Rev. Sidney Lambert of the neighboring Methodist Church in an effort to combine resources. Part of that union meant that the food shelf needed a coordinator to better organize its efforts, and it was Val Martel who was selected. "That was back in 1986 or '87," Martel recalled, adding "and ever since I've been involved, I am awed by the support the food shelf has received from Town organizations, businesses, schools, and churches. Their kindness and generosity-it's amazing."

Martel went on to thank the supporters of the food shelf for their emotional support, especially this year and this time of year, as she has been dealing with personal health issues.

Yet her overriding concern is a shortfall in cash donations to the food shelf for the winter heating season ahead.

"We are always in need of food, but right now we need to secure funds to help families stay warm and healthy this winter," Martel explained.

Martel is asking that anyone who would like to make a monetary donation please send it to: Shelburne Food Shelf, Post Office Box 88, Shelburne, VT 05482.

Town Clerk Colleen Haag, another longtime food shelf volunteer, invites phone calls from residents who have questions about the needs and programs of the food shelf. Haag can be reached at 985-5116.