Denise is the manager at Sid’s Pantry, one of the 220+ food shelves and meal sites that make up the Vermont Foodbank network. In between visits from neighbors picking up food, Denise talks about how her own experiences with food insecurity influence the ways she supports her community.
Denise’s first experience with Sid’s Pantry in Concord, VT, was as a neighbor regularly visiting to access food. “I was going and there were probably about 15 people that I would see regularly, the same older people. And it was always the same, very nice and friendly with two ladies [working].”
Denise moved to a different town for a few years and when she came back to Concord, she went back to the food shelf. It was then that she recognized the need for food shelves to offer more variety to neighbors. “I could really see the future, that we need to advocate for fresh fruits and vegetables,” Denise says. So Denise decided to ask for more fresh food and non-food items like deodorant and shampoo.
Now, as the food shelf manager, Denise continues to bring in and make available the items people want and need.
Denise sees how people appreciate the fresh food Sid’s is able offer, thanks to Vermont Foodbank programs that distribute free, fresh produce and purchase directly from local farmers—made possible with support from friends like you.
“I drop by the farm stand and pick up cherry tomatoes, then greens, green onions, and squash,” Denise recalls. “They loved it, you know? It is fresh and I make sure any of these are from our farm right down the road so that they can have a taste of that. Because that’s the other thing… people can’t always afford to pay those prices. I feel like advocating for poor people that also deserve [fresh, local food].”
Having been on the receiving end of help himself over the years, Michael, the cook at Mustard Seed in St. Johnsbury is giving back by making sure his neighbors have a nourishing meal and a warm place to chat.
Bob and Barb are Vermont farmers with a passion for growing and sharing one staple, nutrient-dense crop with their community: potatoes. They also partner with Vermont Foodbank to make sure their local potatoes are available to neighbors experiencing hunger.
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.
