CHITTENDEN BANK PARTNERS WITH THE VERMONT FOODBANK
TO FIGHT HUNGER IN VERMONT
Burlington, Vermont - As we approach the winter months the need to stock our community food shelves becomes extremely important. Chittenden Bank offices across the state are participating in the bank's Share the Bounty program providing a drop-off location for non-perishable food items designated for local food shelves or community centers. Each of the 47 Chittenden branches has a collection area set up to accept donations of food or money until December 31, 2008. The Vermont Foodbank is partnering in this effort and has estimated that the need for food donations will increase by as much as 30% this year. The Vermont Foodbank is the state's largest hunger relief organization responsible for distributing close to 6.5 million pounds of food to community food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs in 2007.
"We are very pleased to be partnering with the Vermont Foodbank during our Share the Bounty promotion. Chittenden Bank and its employees are dedicated to helping reduce the instances of hunger during these tough economic times, and we have extended the program from one month to three to help make that happen," explained Chittenden Bank President Michael Seaver.
Christine Foster, Co-Interim CEO of the Vermont Foodbank had this to say, "With a tenuous economy, high cost of home heating oil, food and gasoline, and the heating season right around the corner, the Vermont Foodbank and our partners around the state are working to ensure that no Vermonter will have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family. And that is why Vermont Foodbank is thrilled to be partnering with Chittenden Bank for the Share the Bounty food drive. Leadership from businesses like Chittenden Bank is paramount in the fight against hunger. This statewide effort couldn't have come at a more pertinent time."
Chittenden Bank and the Vermont Foodbank encourage all who are able, to visit a Chittenden branch location and drop-off one of the following food items: canned tuna, sardines or salmon, canned chicken or meat, canned vegetables, soups, cereal, peanut butter, and pasta. Diapers of any size are also an acceptable donation item.
About the Vermont Foodbank
Established in 1986, the Vermont Foodbank is the only food bank in the state and serves 270 sites. The mission of the Vermont Foodbank is to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships that will end hunger in Vermont. For more information visit www.vtfoodbank.org or call 802-476-3341.
About Chittenden Bank
Chittenden Bank has proudly served businesses and individuals throughout Vermont since 1906. With assets greater than $3.3 billion and 47 offices, Chittenden is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of Vermonters at every stage of life. Chittenden Bank is a subsidiary of People's United Bank headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut with assets of over $21 billion. For more information please visit www.chittenden.com or call the Customer Service Center at 800-545-2236.
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