WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Demand High at Vermont Food Shelves

Demand High at Vermont Food Shelves

Barre, Vermont - November 12, 2009

Experts say the economy may be starting to bounce back, but true recovery will take years. That means John Sayles of the Vermont Foodbank is very busy.

Sayles says the foodbank is hearing from its network partners that demand is up 35% to 40%. And in some places they have reported double the number of people coming in for help.

The foodbank has recently expanded into the southern part of the state. They opened a distribution center in Brattleboro to help-- that will help agencies in the southern region.

Sayles says the typical client food shelves see is a working single mother with a couple of kids who comes to the food shelf because the family can't quite make it through the month.

The holidays are a busy time for the foodbank. Sayles says people can help by helping to raise awareness about the need. He says one in 10 Vermonters visits the food shelf or foodbank during the year. He says people can also help by donating or volunteering.