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.
On this day, Glenn makes three stops, each reflecting a thread in the fabric of Vermont Foodbank’s community-driven approach to food security. Much of the food the Foodbank sources—and you help purchase—is delivered to food shelves and other access points that distribute it to neighbors in local communities.
Glenn’s first stop is a food distribution with the Putney Foodshelf. The partnership and reciprocity that define this work are evident. One volunteer shares how, during COVID-19, she visited the food shelf herself. Now in a more stable place, she gives back by volunteering. Later, a former volunteer whose recent medical issues have left her struggling to make ends meet greets Glenn with a hug. Glenn knows her story and what she’s facing, and offers her some food to take home, along with compassion and care.
Next is a Support and Services at Home (SASH) site, where he delivers food to older adults living on fixed incomes. Glenn and the SASH team work in a rhythm—quick, respectful, cheerful. They make sure no one feels rushed or overlooked.
The final stop of the day is a free, fresh produce event in Newfane. The energy is electric. Cars line up down the road, volunteers hustle with smiles, and music keeps the mood fun. Amid the busy hum of cars being loaded with food, something beautiful happens: a family in line has prepared a homemade lunch for Glenn. Another neighbor brings tea for the volunteers. Visitors take extra produce to deliver to neighbors who couldn’t make it. Everywhere you look, neighbors are taking care of neighbors, in ways big and small.
These moments are a reminder of a simple and powerful truth: community means recognizing we all rely on each other at different times. It’s how we show up for one another—with care, dignity, and without judgment—that makes the difference. Thank you for caring for your community and ensuring neighbors statewide will be able to enjoy a nourishing meal this holiday season, and every day of the year.
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.
The 2026 Legislative Session, and second and final year of the 2025-2026 biennium, came to a close last Friday, May 29. There were a lot of ups, some downs, and many bills passed just before the deadline. We saw an increased awareness of food security, with some surprising champions stepping forward!
“Summer often is one of the hungriest times of the year for families with school-age children.” This is the opening line of a new national report on summer meals published by the Food & Research Action Center (FRAC).
