Vermont Business MagazineThePeople’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $20,000 to the Vermont Foodbank for the purchasing and distribution of food.
The Vermont Foodbank was founded in 1986 in response to an increased need for emergency food assistance among low-income households in central Vermont. At that time, the Vermont Foodbank distributed to eight food shelves in the central Vermont area. Today, there are 225 network partners statewide that receive food from the Vermont Foodbank for local distribution.
The grant brings the total amount awarded by People’s United Community Foundation to the organization to $120,000.
“The donation from People’s United Community Foundation will help the Foodbank continue to provide food to thousands of our Vermont neighbors in need,” said John Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank. “We are so grateful for the steadfast support and partnership of the People’s United Community Foundation, which has acted as a constant and strong voice in the fight against hunger.”
Demand for charitable food had never been greater. In fact, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly ten million pounds of food to 153,000 people in need in 2015. This year, one in four Vermonters is expected to access a food shelf or meal site at some point.
“Many of us take for granted that we can walk into a grocery store and purchase what we need for the week or even just the day,” saidMichael Seaver, Officerof People’s United Community Foundation and President of People's United Bank in Vermont. “We are pleased to be able to continue our partnership with the Vermont Foodbank and provide $20,000 to aid in securing and distributing healthy food for Vermonters in need.”
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.