September is Hunger Action Month and it’s time to Fill the Foodshelf! Starting September 1st and running for the full month of September, the food drive will help the Putney Foodshelf stock up on staple food pantry items as we head into the fall.

The Foodshelf has been serving around 90 households a week during Open Hours. This is similar to the peak of the pandemic. Inflation appears to be having a significant impact on the numbers of households using the Foodshelf.

It’s easy to help! Donate here online or stop by the Putney Co-op or General Store:

1. Pick up a form

2. Circle an item

3. Pay the cashier

Your donation will be delivered to the Foodshelf to feed our community!

Why this kind of food drive? The bulk case food drive at the Coop and General Store is a model we’ve been testing for a few years, and come to really love. Not only is bulk purchasing easy for the donor, it makes it easy for the Foodshelf to get the food that’s most needed.

This year you’ll see a variety of basic ingredients for cooking and baking - beans, broth, flour, oil, salt etc. We’ve also included gluten-free items and toothbrushes on the lists. Each store has unique items, chosen because they are popular with shoppers and typically hard to source for free.

Formerly Top the Truck: Since the food drive is no longer a one-day event centered around the big truck parked in the village (always generously donated by Soundview Paper Co.) last year we changed the name to Fill the Foodshelf.

Please help us spread the word! And next time you’re at the Putney Co-op or General Store, consider supporting Fill the Foodshelf while you’re at the register.

Thank you!