The following article written by Lisa Boucher appeared in the Thursday Evening edition of the St. Albans Messenger February 2, 2012
(http://www.vtgrandpa.com/photos/albums/forum_photos_2012/jeff_meunier_120202.jpg)
Creative public keeps 'Fairfax', Food Shelf open
By LISA M. BOUCHER
Messenger Correspondent
FAIRFAX - The food shelf here has always had one main component - a generous and imaginative
public in support of the cause.
"The Fairfax community is extraordinarily generous with their contributions to the food shelf," she
said. "It is truly a tribute to the community that they're so generous. Either food or money; people always contribute something."
The independently operated Fairfax Food Shelf has been in operation for about five years, ever since the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity cut back on the number of satellite food shelves.
"The use of the food shelf ebbs and flows," said Pastor Elizabeth Griffin of United Church of Fairfax, home of the operation. "There are some consistent clients, but there are some people who come when they have a serious need and stop coming when they no longer do."
Griffin said the food shelf is fortunate because of the contributions made by churches, the school,
and other organizations, including individuals who simply drop off groceries or cash.
Throughout the year various school groups sponsor food drives of some sort -either as a
classroom lesson, a larger class project, funds raised by a school dance, or in any number of creative ways. For example, the Fairfax Recreation Department has a Christmas tree lighting in which people can purchase a decoration in someone's memory with proceeds going to the food shelf. Scout groups, sports teams, and other school groups also find ways to collect donations for the food shelf.
Griffin is grateful for the assistance she receives from all those who lend a hand to' help with the food shelf and feels a new effort by Jeff Meunier, owner of J&L Hardware is a "neat
idea."
J&L Hardware recently launched a fundraiser for the Fairfax Food Shelf, with travel mugs bearing
the store's logo. The store is giving them away in exchange for a cash donation, which will go to the
food shelf.
Meunier said, "We've been toying around with the idea of doing something for the food shelf. . .. Then the coffee mugs came in and we thought, 'Hey why don't we give them away for a donation to the food shelf?' So we put them up front with a sign."
Meunier said he wished he could do more for the community, but finds there isn't enough time in his day. The proprietor of J&L Hardware since 1993, he started working at the store with his parents in 1988. A present and a hand-son owner, he's there from opening until closing, most of the time.
He laughed as he pointed out he's a "lifer," with four boys, yet to grow up and go to college. With the hope that one of his sons might eventually take over the family business, he will be at the store for a while.
"I think the store itself is a vital part of the community, just like the other small businesses in town;" said Meunier, who has spent his adult life building the inventory of his business, based on what customers' wishes.
"That's the nice thing about us, compared to anyone who is locked in with a chain or franchise, where you have to go through hoops to get new stuff in. We can do things off-the- cuff, which is nice." That includes a fundraiser or something else for the community. .
Meunier is hoping it doesn't take too long to for the mugs "to go" because it would defeat the purpose.
He said he feels this is a time of year when people struggle more with high fuel bills and any money
they may have saved is used for that.
"I have fun doing it," said Meunier of running the store. "When the fun leaves and I don't like what • I'm doing, I'll have to do something else."
It is open on the first two Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Fairfax. Anyone with an emergency need for food outside of those times is welcome to Pastor Griffin.