This election year, Vermont Foodbank has signed on as a Champion to a new program of the Vermont’s Secretary of State’s office called “Vermont Civic Connect.” We will be sharing vetted, nonpartisan information from the Secretary of State’s office about voting and civic engagement throughout this election cycle.
Vermont Foodbank is a nonpartisan organization that participates in efforts to ensure state and national policy are moving us toward a food-secure future. We believe hunger is solvable, and that solving hunger requires community-wide action. Civic participation is a critical ingredient: the people we elect make decisions about the policies and investments that shape our communities.
“We are committed to supporting a culture of civic and community engagement in our workplace,” John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO, reflects. “Vermont Foodbank provides staff with flexible civic paid time off that can be used on election days or for employees to volunteer in their community. Some of our employees even use that time to volunteer in their own town’s election process as poll volunteers. These are key elements that Civic Connect Champions commit to.”
At the Civic Connect program’s kickoff, Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas shared the reasons her office created this innovative program:
“Vermonters are seeking trustworthy information about our elections and looking for ways to get more involved in their communities…. The Vermont businesses & nonprofits joining this program have the reach to make our democracy and civic life flourish and bloom!”
We are proud to join a dozen other businesses and organizations participating as founding Civic Connect Champions. By joining Vermont Civic Connect, we are affirming our belief that Vermont is stronger when people are informed, engaged, and able to exercise their civic rights.
We hope you will make your voice heard at the polls this year. Look to our social media as we share more information on the election, voter registration & early/absentee voting, and where to find more information so you can make sure your voice is included this election cycle!
Key Election Dates:
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- November 2: Deadline to request early or absentee ballots for the General Election
- November 3: General Election Day
There is no deadline to register to vote. Register any time on Vermont’s online Voter Portal.
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For Bethel Area Food Shelf, a local partnership that redirects fresh groceries to neighbors facing hunger has helped address rising community need. Now, they’re thinking creatively toward long-term food security.
Eight food access partners recently met to discuss their growth over the past year. This cohort has collaborated, shared learnings, and invested in their organizations’ capacity through a Vermont Foodbank grant made possible by your support.
