Sheldon UMC in Vermont had just gotten the occupancy permit on the new building where it would host free community meals when COVID-19 put those plans on indefinite hold. 
 
The building is not sitting empty, however; it is filled with food and the work of many volunteers who are making sure that it is distributed each week.
 
In the recording below, church member John Gorton shares the story of how the church's feeding ministry has built community and ecumenical connections that is allowing them to feed hundreds of families during the COVID pandemic.
 
And it was through one of those connections, the Franklin Grand Isle Community Partnership, that Gorton was honored with the John W. Engroff Legacy Award in January 2021 for his work with the Food Shelf.
 
In this conversation, Gorton mentions Church Treasurer and Food Shelf volunteer Nancy Martin, Sheldon UMC Pastor Bonnie Hovermann, and Conference Statistician Joy Mueller.