Green Mountain Power announces record goal for Fill the Cupboard Challenge

In an effort to help counter food shortages in the Rutland area, Green Mountain Power today announced a 25,000-item goal for the 2012 GMP Fill the Cupboard Challenge. The goal is the highest ever for the annual food drive, which benefits the Rutland Community Cupboard.
‘GMP is excited to continue the longstanding and successful Fill the Cupboard Challenge that was coordinated by Central Vermont Public Service for so many years,’said Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. ‘The food drive has routinely played a key role in helping the Cupboard to restock its supply after the busy summer season and gear up for the fall and winter months. We’re proud to continue this tradition and help fight hunger in Rutland.’
Businesses, clubs, schools, sports teams, churches and other organizations are encouraged to register for the Challenge, then collect food donations between Sept. 10 and 28 and deliver them to the Rutland Community Cupboard. GMP will donate 25 cents to the Community Cupboard for every item collected, up to a total of $6,250. The company will also donate $500 in the name of the group that collects the most food.
‘The Challenge set an event record in 2011 by bringing in over 24,000 items and we hope to build on that number this year,’said Sue Basset, coordinator of the Community Cupboard. ‘Demand for food is always on the rise and food drives such as the Challenge, Pack the Paramount, Stuff-A-Bus and the Letter Carrier’s Drive are essential to serving those in need in the community.’
In 2011, the Rutland Community Cupboard distributed more than 250,000 items to local residents, serving more than 600 families each month. The highest distribution for a single month was nearly 26,000 items.
Participants in the GMP Fill the Cupboard Challenge can solicit food donations from employees, customers, vendors or others, and are encouraged to conduct their own food drives as part of the Fill the Cupboard Challenge.
‘There are a variety of ways to get involved in the Challenge,’Basset said. ‘In the past we’ve seen groups go door to door, organize drop-off events and internal collections and also hold fundraisers with proceeds being donated to the Cupboard to purchase food. The creativity has been impressive and we look forward to seeing what groups come up with for collection ideas this time around.
‘The Challenge is a great opportunity for teams, businesses and other groups to have fun and build camaraderie while giving back to the community at the same time.’
Participants may deliver food to the Community Cupboard as often as they like, and should identify their organization as a participant in the Challenge when dropping off food items. Participants should also count their items before bringing them to the Cupboard. Deliveries can be made to the Community Cupboard on 191 Columbian Avenue in Rutland on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday between 4 and 6 p.m. through Sept. 28.
‘Although we’ve raised the bar each year with the Challenge and increased collection goals to meet growing demands, the community has responded time and time again,’said Challenge coordinator Chris Adams of Green Mountain Power. ‘Last year’s Challenge is a shining example of the willpower that is an integral part of the fabric of the Rutland area. In the midst of a challenging recovery from Hurricane Irene, Rutland proved its resolve and turned in the best Challenge performance on record. We’re eager to see if we can meet the challenge again this year.’
GMP 4.9.2012