SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. —
The cost of fuel and electricity is going up, and local food shelves are taking the time to remind people they are here to help fill the gaps in your grocery list.
As the cost of living continues to climb, food shelves and community organizations across Vermont and New York have been seeing more customers.
“October of 2026 was the busiest month in our history, and we don’t see any signs of that letting up,” said Pedro Carmolli, director of the South Burlington Food Shelf.
Carmolli said the South Burlington organization relies heavily on community partnerships for special events and day-to-day operations running smoothly. Volunteers stock shelves, check people in and organize donations.
“Without the community involvement, without the community buy-in, we close tomorrow,” said Carmolli. “Most of the food that we get in is donated by the community. It’s all sorted by volunteers from the community, and we have more volunteers coming to take other community members around. It’s kind of a beautiful thing.”
For anyone that may have reservations about utilizing the food shelf, staff want people to know they are here to help without judgement, no matter the circumstance.
“I’m happy to meet you and I’m happy to have you here. Our job is to get food out, and we can’t do that if you don’t come in,” Carmolli said.
The South Burlington Food Shelf is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for both shopping and donations.
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