Every day, the Vermont Foodbank community has a positive impact on food security. The following stories and information provide highlights of what we accomplished together last year.
This community helps gather and share food to alleviate hunger today; advocates for systems change to reduce hunger tomorrow; donates, volunteer, and shares personal stories; and lets others know how they can give and get help.
The strength of our community depends on the strength and well-being of all people in Vermont. The presence of hunger in our community directly impacts our collective well-being. We also know that hunger is solvable. There is enough food for everyone. When we work together, we can ensure everyone can access the food they need, where and when they need it.
Together we can, and will, end hunger.
The Vermont Foodbank Community and Its Impact in 2024
The Vermont Foodbank Community…
- Helped make Vermont-grown food available to neighbors facing hunger. Kept dollars in the local economy by supporting nearly $2.4 million in purchases from 299 local farms.
- Shared 14.6 million pounds of food with people experiencing hunger in Vermont. Of that, 4.5 million pounds were fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Eating good food should not be determined by your income. As a community, we are capable of taking care of one another to make sure everyone has access to healthy food. Good food brings good health and good connections, which we all need.
“As farmers [at Jericho Settlers Farm], we embrace our responsibility to do our part to raise healthy food for our community—using our skills and knowledge to grow fresh produce, and using our relationships and commitments to others to make sure that the food we grow finds its way to all members of our community. We so appreciate the many people and organizations that help us bring the food we grow to the many who need it.”
~Christa
Together, the Vermont Foodbank community helped connect local communities with fresh food, pantry staples, and other resources through support of 360 community partners and food access sites across Vermont.
“I was very fortunate growing up, in that we always had three meals a day… At an early age, I was also taught that we always had room for others at the table. When I was working, my jobs brought me into contact with folks less fortunate, but I was rarely able to help. When I retired, I joined the Board of Directors of the Arlington Food Shelf where I could help address food insecurities.
“At the Arlington Food Shelf, we have created an atmosphere where families and individuals can receive assistance, while maintaining their dignity. I believe that by removing the stigma that is often associated with food shelves, we have gone a long way in reducing food insecurities in our community.”
~ Bill
The Vermont Foodbank Community Took Action:
- 16,894 people provided food, funds and products to ensure nourishing food and services were available.
- 770 volunteers dedicated 8,595 hours to help get nourishing food to neighbors.
“Since I started volunteering, I have had the opportunity to participate in gleaning, help sort donations at the Barre warehouse, and join in distribution events in Barre, the Winooski schools, and Bristol. It’s been rewarding to see the various communities involved…This is truly a group effort.
“Volunteering for the Foodbank has opened my eyes to the large numbers of people experiencing food insecurity. With the vast (and growing) income disparity in this country, and the large numbers of children born into poverty, it is important to me to help deliver good nutrition to this population. I am so grateful to see the number of people who are willing to contribute their time and energy to this effort!”
~ Al
You can help make sure food is readily available whenever someone needs it. Making an automatic monthly gift to Vermont Foodbank allows for reliable food distribution and sustainable community programs, providing neighbors with nourishing food they can count on.
An older couple recently reached out and shared their experience with us.
“Once we retired, the cost of gas, fuel oil, utilities, and food have gone through the roof! Our retirement plans have vaporized under the weight of this new reality.”
Thankfully, with help from community members like you, the foods people want and need—like fruits and veggies, meat, dairy, and dry goods—can be available to neighbors all year round.
Please consider becoming a Sustaining Monthly Donor today. A monthly pledge of $30—about a dollar a day—can help provide someone with more than $120 worth of groceries, every month, and it’s quick, easy, and secure.
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