Post #2629107

@pencilears@mastodon.eternalaugust.com I've worked with three food shelves in Vermont (never the state food bank, just the local distribution places). They vary a lot in terms of who they allow to shop, but anyone showing up in an emergency situation is offered food even if they don't technically qualify. One of them requires evidence of living in the town (such as a piece of mail, no ID required), one does the same but also asks you to attest to your income and family size but does not ask for any proof, and one asks almost nothing. Even when residency evidence is requested, if someone says they are camping or living in a car, there is no way they are leaving without as much food as we can provide. But the message I have for anyone struggling to get food is go to the food shelf and ask. The people working at the food shelves I have volunteered at all want to help everyone. That is why they are there.