At a holiday produce drop today at North Barre Manor, the Vermont Foodbank announced that VSECU, a credit union for everybody in Vermont, will again support the organization with $40,000 to support food distribution to Vermonters in need of food. This marks a total of $160,000 that VSECU has donated over 4 years.VSECU

“We are so grateful for the longtime support of VSECU in the work of ending hunger in Vermont,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “Their leadership on issues of health and food security is critical to our work ensuring that no one in Vermont goes hungry.”

Today’s drop is part of a larger effort to provide fresh food to people where they live. In partnership with SASH (Supports and Services at Home), the Vermont Foodbank provides fresh food deliveries to more than 60 housing sites throughout the state. According to Bonnie Parry, SASH Coordinator, “The Vermont Foodbank is a lifesaver for low-income Vermonters who often do not have transportation or an adequate food budget. Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables are some of the most expensive items to buy at the grocery store, but with the SASH program and the Foodbank working together, we are able to provide these items at no cost, deliver it to their homes, and promote a healthier lifestyle.”

The grant from VSECU will support the expansion of food deliveries like the one today at North Barre Manor by funding the operation of a new truck that will serve locations in and around Rutland, Brattleboro and Bennington.

Staff and board members from VSECU were on hand and volunteered to help distribute the food at the North Barre Manor center. “At VSECU, we believe that every Vermonter should have access to resources that satisfy their basic needs such as food, shelter, heat, and financial well-being,” said Rob Miller, CEO of VSECU, “This gift to power the Foodbank’s expansion of delivery services is core to our mission to improve Vermonter’s lives.”

For more photos from today’s event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153268603070869.1073741891.240164015868&type=3