Food pantries shoulder burden of economic hardship in county

Times are tough in Washington County, and the economic woes of the area are clear to Bill Sawtelle, who operates a food pantry in Whiting that serves residents of a dozen towns. "Winter looks bleak. We have been getting calls to help with fuel, to help with medications, with clothing, with rent assistance," he says. "The price of fuel is terrible. The old people are scared; I mean they are not just worried, they are scared." And the economic woes are hitting the food pantry; they are running very low on food, and with one of their freezers broken it may have to close down.

The food pantry is located at the Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church on Route 1, but it is run by Sawtelle and his wife, their family and volunteers. "Some people don't want to help because they think this a church operation. We appreciate the use of their space, and they pay for our electricity, but the pantry is not affiliated with the church," says Bill Sawtelle.

"Our whole family is involved," says Anne Sawtelle. "Our grandchildren are a big help at the food pantry. The feeling of helping and giving to those who truly need help is rewarding to our family."

The third Wednesday of every month, two dozen or so volunteers come to the church for seven hours to distribute food. "Last year, we had 196 families," says Bill Sawtelle. "This year, there are 357 families, including 206 kids. Fifty-seven percent [of those served] are elderly. And we are seeing 12 to 22 new families every month." And there are more people calling for help all the time. People in need can call an emergency number -- 726-4722. "We take care of everyone who calls. There is nobody who goes without -- nobody," says Sawtelle. Besides contributions of food and cash, the pantry holds yard sales.

The needs that they respond to are often more than just food. "Some people need the $12 for a car inspection, to be able to drive down and get food," he says. "We had one family whose lights were going to be turned off; we helped them with that, but we can't help everybody."

The pantry provides a box of food every month, with enough for three to four days. "But, if they cook it right, it can last for five days or more," says Sawtelle. Judy Jones, a volunteer and a recipient at the pantry, says, "It helps a lot. I don't get food stamps, but a lot of people who get food stamps still need food. When it comes around to the end of the month, they run out."

The pantry also serves a hot meal on the Wednesday. "When people come in here, sometimes they look downtrodden because they need help. We cook food, eat and visit with these friends. They are good people, and many leave with a smile on their faces," says Sawtelle.

Donations from local people are the main support for the pantry. "I'd like to thank Dana Cox, who gave us a lot of vegetables from his garden. We had four or five totes of squash this last time. The people took the vegetables like it was a gold mine. We welcome all of the garden vegetables people contribute." Sawtelle also mentions, "We have $1,092 of turkey gift certificates for this season. Steve Lyons [owner of the IGA in Lubec] has been very good to us, contributing frequently throughout the years." Every month, though, more is needed.

"We need donations still for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the need for food is all year round. We need donations of baby food, toilet items, shampoos and soap. These are things that food stamps do not buy and people do not have the money to buy for themselves." Sawtelle also says they need freezers, as one of theirs has quit.

With the explosive growth of people in need, Sawtelle still believes in what he and his family and volunteers are doing. "I don't know where it is going. I do know as long as I have food, I will feed everyone. I will not turn anyone away."

The food pantry accepts donations of food, money, returnable cans and bottles, good, clean coats and boots. Call Bill Sawtelle at 726-4722.