Emergency Food System Facing Crisis
For Immediate Release
December 16, 2008
Media Contact:
Judy Stermer
w. 802-477-4108
c. 802-505-0699
Emergency Food System Facing Crisis
The next few weeks are crucial for the Vermont Foodbank. Because more than half of annual fundraising happens before the end of the year, Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer, Christine Foster is keeping a close eye on the Foodbank’s financial health. “We are not on target to meet our fundraising goal by the end of the year,” said Foster. “This is a hard time for folks. With a failing economy, industry collapses and layoffs, Vermonters are seeking emergency food like never before. And at the same time we see a significant spike in need, the Foodbank is struggling to meet financial goals.”
There are more than 270 food shelves, meal sites, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs that rely on the Vermont Foodbank for support. The Foodbank is by far the single most important source of food for more than 65% of these organizations. Through a myriad of programs, the Vermont Foodbank is working to ensure that no Vermonter goes to bed hungry. Whether delivering backpacks to school-aged children, filled with food for the weekends or gleaning fresh produce from Vermont farms for low income people, the Vermont Foodbank programs have been serving Vermonters in need for more than 20 years.
During this time of heightened financial vulnerability, the Foodbank is keenly aware of the need for programs that get food into the hands of hungry Vermonters. Throughout Vermont, Foodbank partners are reporting increased demand for emergency food assistance. The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf is serving 1,000 more families this year than last year. The Central Vermont Community Action Food Shelf reports a 90% increase in clients requesting emergency food during the last 6 months. Barre Salvation Army reports a 50% increase in demand at their food shelf. The Brattleboro Area Drop-in Center has seen first time clients—people who were once donors or volunteers, now find themselves in need of food assistance. And the list goes on—charitable food first responders are being tapped by an unprecedented need, with fewer resources in place to address the increased demanded for food assistance.
More than five-percent of Vermont households actively support the Vermont Foodbank, and this support couldn’t come at a more critical time. “There has never been a better time to support charitable food providers,” said Edward Fox, Vermont Foodbank Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer. “As Vermonters struggle to pay heating bills and mortgages, to find and secure jobs, to work and learn, food is a need that no one deserves to go without.”
As demand increases and food and fund donations continue to fall short of meeting the need for charitable food, the Vermont Foodbank is concerned about meeting the demand. “To continue to respond to emergencies at current capacity, we will need an even greater infusion of community support,” said Foster.
About the Vermont FoodbankVermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities in all 14 counties of Vermont through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food to the more than 66,000 needy Vermonters who request charitable food assistance. The Vermont Foodbank is a nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation. For facts and figures on hunger and poverty, to sign-up to receive our newsletter, to find a food shelf in your community, and to learn about the Federal Nutrition Programs, visit us on the web at www.vtfoodbank.org
