Welch visits South Burlington's new food shelf

(WCAX)
Published: Jan. 21, 2020 at 8:00 AM EST
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The new food shelf in South Burlington got a visit from Congressman Peter Welch on Tuesday.

Welch heard from volunteers, local officials and high school students about the need to take on hunger in the city.

The food shelf opened up on Nov. 1 of last year on Dorset Street.

Peter Carmolli, the director of the nonprofit, says he's asked why there is a need in the community considering the booming local economy.

"That's a question I hear a lot. But the fact of the matter is that one out of four students in the South Burlington schools is on free or reduced lunch. And that's the indicator," Carmolli said.

According to Carmolli, one out of four is the state average. He blames the high cost of living in Chittenden County that doesn't match salaries.

The food shelf gets donations from organizations and concerned citizens. Also, Trader Joe's donates produce twice a week.