Kernels - Winter 2025

Kernels

Gratitude Edition 2025

Nourishing Vermont Is an

Act of Community For more than 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of being CEO at Vermont Foodbank and seeing the positive impact on food security that the Vermont community has fueled. I’m continuously grateful to you for moving the work forward. But what drives me to keep going? It’s that hunger is an invisible condition that steals away human potential, and the strength of our community depends on the strength and well-being of all our people.

changes that reduce the need for the Foodbank’s work tomorrow. I donate, I advocate, and I let others know how they can help.

I am grateful to all of you who join in the communal effort of keeping Vermont nourished, and I hope to hear about why ending hunger is important to you, and one way you are taking action— let me know on our website at vtfoodbank.org/share-your-story.

Hunger is solvable. There is enough food in Vermont and in our country, but we struggle to Together we can, and will, end hunger. ensure access for all people to the right food, in the right place, at the right time. I choose to end hunger by gathering and sharing food in a dignified way to alleviate the hunger that neighbors experience today, while advocating for systems John Sayles CEO

Symbol of Gratitude The universal symbol of gratitude consists of three parts: a circle and spiral, three dots, and a hook. The circle and spiral is said to represent the cycle of life and our capacity to grow and change. The dots represent taking further action. The hook is believed to signify strength, energy, and abundance. From all of us at the Foodbank, thank you, for your gifts of support and all that you do each day to nourish our shared community.

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“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 “I think, I know, that there’s a great sense of feeling good not only here in your belly, but here in your heart. I know when Paul and I come home from our [community] meetings with [the Foodbank], just being there, talking with people…

Our whole attitude changes.

When I meet people…I’ll say to them, ‘Have you been to the food shelf ?’ By being a [community consultant], you meet so many people. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the feeling of support, and that somebody else is in the same situation. That’s amazing. So, the more people that you meet, you feel so wicked supported. I mean, mentally it just gives you a lift up, you know?” ~ Marian “Everyone needs to eat. It’s essential to good physical and mental health, part of the human condition. Such a basic need that everyone understands. Both of my parents came from large families where there were a lot of kids to feed, when money was tight, there was no food bank, and gardens were a necessity.

I am not only a 23-year employee of the Vermont Foodbank, I’m a donor as well. Throughout my years, I have performed a variety of jobs here and interacted with countless people looking for assistance. I have always believed in our mission to ensure that no one in Vermont goes hungry and feel like my daily interactions have helped to make a difference.” ~ Patrick 3

NOURISHING VERMONT, TOGETHER You helped make Vermont-grown food available to neighbors facing hunger, and kept dollars in the local economy, by supporting nearly $2.4 million in purchases from

299 local farms last year.

This past year, 181 people who have experience with food insecurity participated in 37 community conversations to help co-create local solutions to food access.

Last year, you helped share 14,548,545

pounds of food with people experiencing hunger in Vermont. Of that, 4,549,073 pounds were fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Last year, 16,894 food, fund, and

product donors (like you!) helped make sure nourishing food and services were available when Vermont neighbors needed it.

You helped connect local communities with fresh food, pantry staples, and other resources through support of 360

community partners and food access sites across Vermont.

This past year, 770 volunteers dedicated

8,595 hours to help get nourishing food to neighbors—the equivalent of just over

four additional full-time staff members.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE HELPED MAKE POSSIBLE 5

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“During pandemic lockdown, the government was giving away food at the Berlin airport one morning and I was just floored by the level of need that I saw on my way to work. Cars had filled the tarmac and were backed up for miles – nearly to the interstate…At that moment I committed to donate 5% of all sales at ButterflyBakeryVT.com to the Vermont Foodbank to make sure that we are continually helping to provide for people in need from our community.

As a Vermont business with close ties to many farms, businesses, and folks within the state and local community, we are fortunate to be able to give back and play our role to help eliminate food insecurity.” ~ Claire “I was very fortunate growing up, in that we always had three meals a day… At an early age, I was 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 “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 6

2024 Annual Report The mission of Vermont Foodbank is to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FY24 Total Revenue: $35,847,678

Total Expenses: $40,035,524

6%

1%

RAISI ND

NG

FU

55%

L RA

MA N

S

<1% <1%

F

15%

RIBUTION PRO IST GR D AM D O O NT & G EN EME E AG

23%

6% 6% Food contributions 55% Financial contributions 23% Grants 15% In-kind contributions <1%

Sales of purchased foods 6% Membership fees <1% Other income 1%

88%

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FY24 Total Assets: $34,865,077 Total Liabilities: $4,152,617 Total Net Assets: $30,712,460 Food Sources in Pounds: 14,548,545

2024 Board of Directors 41%

39%

26%

Mitzi Johnson, Board Chair

Bruce Nash

Penrose Jackson, Vice Chair

Martha Trombley Oakes

Amy Davenport

Dr. Jacob Park

Will Eberle

Melissa Roberge

Mike Hourigan

Liz Ruffa

Ian MacFarland

Donated product 39% Federal assistance programs 26% Food purchase 41%

For more information about Vermont Foodbank’s financials--including our IRS Form 990 and audited financials--please visit vtfoodbank.org.

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Summer Is Always a Difficult Season When It Comes Hunger

A New Year,

a Renewed Commitment to Your Community This winter, families and neighbors will be facing tough choices. With living costs in Vermont so high and household budgets unable to keep up, people will have to decide whether to pay for food or pay for heat. Groceries or rent. Filling the fridge or filling a prescription.

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.

vtfoodbank.org

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.

If you’re already a Sustaining Monthly Donor, thank you! Because of your commitment to your community, someone can count on a nourishing meal—and some peace of mind—today.

Becoming a monthly donor is quick, easy, and secure. An automatic monthly gift means less work on your end and ensures that more of your donation helps neighbors experiencing hunger in Vermont. Sign up using the enclosed form or by visiting our website at vtfoodbank.org/sustaining-donor.

If you or someone you know could use help accessing food, please be in touch. Our contact information is below, and our website is available in many languages spoken in Vermont.

33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641 800-585-2265 | info@vtfoodbank.org