Food shelf needs money for new dishwasher

Burlington Free Press
April 23, 2009

BURLINGTON — The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf is appealing to the public to help it raise $10,000 to replace a broken commercial dishwasher, officials for the organization said today.

The commercial dishwasher used by the county’s soup kitchen broke down last week, according to food shelf officials. A replacement dishwasher is essential to the operation of the food shelf’s programs and services, said organization director Rob Meehan.

“The twenty year old machine is unfortunately beyond repair,” said Meehan, CEFS Director. “A new energy star commercial dishwasher will make the food shelf greener and put our resources where they belong- fighting hunger.”

The food shelf has kept up with demand this week by hand-washing its dishes, and purchasing paper plates and plastic utensils.

Fixing the broken 20 year old dishwasher is cost prohibitive as is purchasing a machine in used condition, according to Meehan. The food shelf has a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of this month.

People can visit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf Web site (www.feedingchittenden.org) to make a donation.