Chittenden BANK SPONSORS The Vermont Foodbank
Media Contact:
Priscilla LetorneyMarketing Manager
pletorney@chittenden.com
802-660-1388 October 23, 2008
Chittenden BANK SPONSORS The Vermont Foodbank
Local Bank donates $30,000 to help ease hunger in Vermont
Barre, Vermont – Chittenden Bank announced additional support (and sponsorship) for the Vermont Foodbank today by donating a gift of $30,000 to help in the fight against hunger in Vermont. Food bank leaders and community groups are reporting an increase in need as the number of requests for donations of food items steadily climbs at the Vermont Foodbank. Michael Seaver, President of Chittenden Bank explained, “In addition to our Share the Bounty food drive partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, a cash donation of $30,000 was made by Chittenden Bank to allow the food bank to purchase the critical food items that don’t come in through the local food drive efforts.” The Vermont Foodbank is experiencing an increase in the demand for charitable food upwards of 30% compared to this time last year. As the only food bank in the state, the Vermont Foodbank is the largest hunger-relief organization, securing large quantities of food and non-food products from a number of resources.
It is estimated that 38% of Vermonters are dealing with making a choice between putting meals on their table and heating their home. Chittenden Bank is proud to support and partner with the Vermont Foodbank in their quest to ensure that no Vermonter goes hungry.
“The signs of the global economic downturn were seen early this year, which is why I moved quickly and created the Fuel and Food Partnership,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “We pulled together key community and non-profit leaders, legislators and officials from my Administration to identify the needs and find resources to help Vermonters. I am pleased that Chittenden Bank has taken an active role in this committee and a proactive approach with sponsorship and donation dollars. Moving forward, we will continue to work with businesses and help connect them with the people and make sure no Vermonter goes cold this winter,” Governor Douglas said.
How it works
Food and other household items are delivered to the food bank, where they are examined and sorted; they are then offered to Vermont Foodbank Network Partners. There are more than 270 non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, seniors and after-school programs operating in the state. 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 the Vermont Foodbank is thankful for this generous donation from Chittenden Bank. Leadership from businesses like Chittenden Bank is paramount in the fight against hunger.”
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.
###
