VPR, Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont Community Foundation Join Forces For Giving Tuesday 

Barre, Vt.—This Giving Tuesday will be more important than ever. The annual global day of giving that arose in response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday falls on December 1 this year. This celebration of philanthropy gives people an opportunity to focus their holiday spirit on organizations doing important work in their communities, an especially important endeavor given the impact of the many challenges our society faces this year. 

For the sixth year, Vermont Public Radio and the Vermont Foodbank are teaming up to give listeners an opportunity to support two important causes with one gift. Thanks to the Vermont Community Foundation, every gift to VPR on Giving Tuesday will be matched with a donation equivalent to 25 meals that the Vermont Foodbank will provide to Vermonters facing hunger and food insecurity. 

“Since mid-March, VPR has provided Vermonters with the latest information about the coronavirus and fact-based journalism on the myriad ways the pandemic has up-ended our lives,” said Brendan Kinney, senior vice president for development and marketing at VPR. “We remain committed to this work for as long as it takes. We know that our generous listeners will rally to this important cause because this year especially, the need is so great.” 

Hunger has increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic. According to the National Food Access and COVID Research Team, 1 in 3 people in Vermont were food insecure at some point since the pandemic began, a significant increase from 1 in 10 pre-pandemic. To meet the increased need, the Vermont Foodbank has more than doubled its food distribution since March.   

“We are facing a hunger crisis unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes,” says Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles. “And during this holiday season full of unknowns, many of us will face challenges putting food on the table. The Vermont Foodbank is proud to partner with VPR and the Vermont Community Foundation to change that. Together, with the help of VPR supporters around the state this Giving Tuesday, we can ensure that we all have the food we need.” 

The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger relief organization, providing nutritious food through a network of more than 300 community partners – food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, after-school programs, schools and hospitals. Throughout the pandemic, the Vermont Foodbank and its network have been on the front lines, working to ensure that everyone has the food they need to maintain their health. 

“We want to create the conditions for all Vermonters to succeed, and that begins with guaranteeing basic needs are met,” says Dan Smith, president & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “At a time when one in three Vermonters aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from, we could not be more enthusiastic to partner with VPR and the Vermont Foodbank to help feed Vermonters in need. The significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our state highlights how many Vermonters were already struggling to make ends meet before COVID-19—this is why the Community Foundation is committed to closing our state’s opportunity gap.”  

Learn more and donate at VPR.org or by calling 802-639-6391 through midnight on Tuesday, December 1.