Seven Days is thrilled to announce that $13,178.64 — $6,578.64 more than last year — will be donated to the Vermont Foodbank as a result of its 5th annual Vermont Restaurant Week and a new partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation’s Food and Farm Initiative. This popular event was presented by the Vermont Federal Credit Union and organized by Seven Days, publisher of 7 Nights, the statewide guide to Vermont’s restaurants and bars.

“The Vermont Foodbank is grateful for the longstanding partnership with Seven Days and Vermont Federal Credit Union,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “The support of restaurants, diners, event participants, sponsors and the Vermont Community Foundation’s Food and Farm Initiative will provide nearly 40,000 meals for our neighbors in need. Vermont Restaurant Week is a major contributor in the work of ensuring no one in Vermont goes hungry.”

Many factors contributed to the total donation. All proceeds from the Sweet Start Smackdown, a dessert competition among 10 of the state’s most talented pastry chefs, went to the Vermont Foodbank. Donations also came from a panel discussion with drink producers at South End Kitchen, from the Bartender Brawl, a cocktail competition at Red Square, event raffles and a portion of sponsorship dollars.

Plus, for the first time, the Vermont Community Foundation’s Food and Farm Initiative provided a matching grant of $5,000 for the foodbank. The Community Foundation was established in 1986 by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals and provides leadership in giving by responding to community needs, mobilizing and connecting philanthropists, and by keeping Vermont’s nonprofit sector vital with grants and other investments.

“Given Vermonters’ passion for food and compassion for those at risk of hunger, partnering with Vermont Restaurant Week was a great way to build awareness of ways to reduce hunger while strengthening our local food system,” said special projects director Janet McLaughlin, head of the Food and Farm Initiative. “We’re proud to support the Vermont Foodbank’s efforts as we work to connect all Vermonters with healthy, local foods.”

More than 90 restaurants all across the state participated in Vermont Restaurant Week this year. Each location offered special, prix-fixe meals during the event, which spanned 10 days, from April 25 to May 4.

Da Capo Publishing Inc., dba Seven Days, was founded by Pamela Polston and Paula Routly in 1995. In addition to its five free publications, the company also produces two annual events: Vermont Restaurant Week and the Vermont Tech Jam, a job fair and tech expo.

In 2000, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce selected then-5-year-old Seven Days as Business of the Year. Eight years later, the Burlington Business Association did the same, citing the company’s exemplary business practices, contributions to the community, and promotion of a positive image for Burlington, as well as business success. In 2013, Editor & Publisher selected Seven Days for inclusion in its annual feature, “10 Newspapers That Do It Right.”

For more info on Vermont Restaurant Week, visit http://www.vermontrestaurantweek.com.  To see diner photos from many of the amazing events, delicious meals and great drinks, visit #VTRW on Instagram.