The food shelf was founded by Martha Lussier in 1984. At the urging of Rev. Donald Boyer, she started the food shelf in the basement of St. James Episcopal Church. The operation became community-wide and, in 2008, incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) registered with the IRS. It moved to its own quarters at Maxham Meadow Way in April 2009.
The WCFS depends on the generosity of individuals, schools and civic and faith-based groups throughout the community.