Diane is living on a fixed income. After paying bills, there isn’t much money left for food — so Diane visits her local food shelf. Thanks to friends like you, she’s able to bring home fresh foods and pantry staples and has the ingredients to cook delicious meals for her grandsons.
Diane is cheerful and bubbly and proudly shows off pictures of her twin grandsons at the first chance she gets. After spending just a few minutes with her, it’s easy to see that Diane is a ray of sunshine for everyone around her.
What might be harder to spot about the 77-year-old is that she struggles with hunger.
Diane is living on a fixed income after retiring from a career in home care.
“After I pay my rent, electricity, and other bills, what’s left?” Diane says. “You know, not much for food.”
Diane is signed up for SNAP benefits, a program that provides her with some money each month to purchase groceries. But it’s not enough to get her through the month, and she needs some extra help to get enough to eat.
To make ends meet, Diane visits a food shelf and is able to take home food she otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford at the store — staples like protein, dairy, and shelf- stable goods. Thanks to you, food shelves in every county in Vermont are stocked and ready to support community members’ well-being.
“I’d be eating much less than I do now if it weren’t for this,” Diane admits. “This is a true blessing.”
And the food Diane receives means more to her than having a full plate for herself. It means she has enough to cook for her two grandsons.
Because you help keep shelves and refrigerators stocked with food, families and neighbors across the state are able to come together around tables full with summertime favorites. Whether it’s grilled chicken or sweet corn, slaw, melon, or strawberry shortcake … after more than a year of being isolated from our loved ones, it’s especially joyful to eat together once more.
Support neighbors during this difficult time, if you can. Give help.
Are you in need of help? We’re here. Get help.
Help get food to neighbors who need it. Volunteer.
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.
As a retired pastry chef, Cindy spends a lot of time trying new recipes, creating edible masterpieces, and baking for just about anyone she encounters. Cindy also volunteers her talents to teach baking classes at Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, where she has found a community she values, and that values her in return.
When life took an unexpected turn for a mom in northern Vermont, she got in touch with the Foodbank to help provide her family with nourishing food. With the one-on-one assistance available to help connect her with the food resources that work best for her whole family, she can keep feeding her kids quality food while investing in her community.
