10,510. That’s how many meals 10 Foodbankers just packed on a Saturday at our Barre facility.
As a result of COVID-19 the need for accessible, nourishing food is increasing daily, staff are working long hours, and we’re shifting our business model on the fly. But there’s a spirit of camaraderie in the air, of dedication, loyalty, and love.
Here’s what Foodbanker Joshua had to say about the Saturday morning he spent packing food:
“In the back of my mind, each 15 to 35 pound box of food that I moved from conveyor belt to scale to pallet became a full belly for a Vermont child, a table laid out with a healthy meal for a family, and a package of staple food items for an older Vermonter living in a corner of our little state.
“Over the course of the day, what became clear to me was how much of a difference generosity and compassion for each other can and will make in this challenging time. This caring comes in the form of donated money, donated time, and donated food, and it all comes together on the floor of the warehouse, where it’s sorted, packed, shipped, and delivered to someone who may have gone to bed hungry were it not for the efforts of everyone involved. It’s an all-hands-on-deck time for Vermont right now. People are giving all that they can to make sure all of us come through this healthier and stronger than before.
“By the end of my shift, my arms hurt, my back hurt, and my feet hurt. My colleagues, I’m sure, felt the same way. But that’s a small price to pay for what I got out of the experience. Though we were six feet apart while we worked, and while many of you may be miles and miles from the Foodbank, I left my shift knowing that we are all standing shoulder to shoulder, supporting our neighbors, and caring for all of Vermont, and I’m grateful for that.”
These are challenging times, and there’s a long road ahead. Yet here at the Foodbank, we are witnessing the strength and beauty of the human spirit as our community comes together as never before.
We all play a role in keeping Vermont fed. Thanks for being there.
Glenn is one of Vermont Foodbank’s all-star drivers, and for him, work is personal. Having faced hard times himself, Glenn brings empathy and care that resonate with every neighbor he meets. Watching him work, it’s clear—he doesn’t just deliver food. He delivers connection and hope, with a side of humor that lightens the mood and makes every interaction genuine.
As a retired pastry chef, Cindy spends a lot of time trying new recipes, creating edible masterpieces, and baking for just about anyone she encounters. Cindy also volunteers her talents to teach baking classes at Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, where she has found a community she values, and that values her in return.
When life took an unexpected turn for a mom in northern Vermont, she got in touch with the Foodbank to help provide her family with nourishing food. With the one-on-one assistance available to help connect her with the food resources that work best for her whole family, she can keep feeding her kids quality food while investing in her community.
