Following the close of a two-week collective effort, Attorney General Charity Clark, the Vermont Bar Association (VBA), the Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO), and the Vermont Foodbank announced the positive impact of the Vermont Legal Community Fighting Hunger Food Drive. For the past eight years, legal professionals across the state have come together to run the food drive during 'Hunger Action Month' in September. With economic hardships such as inflation and high housing costs, as well as multiple flooding events, it has been difficult for many households to keep food on the table in Vermont.
During this year’s food drive, professionals across the Vermont legal community raised $15,193, which will supply more than $62,900 worth of food to Vermonters. All funds donated went directly to the important work of the Vermont Foodbank. Over 1,300 items including food, diapers, and other donations were brought to local food shelves or meal sites partnered with the Vermont Foodbank. In its eight-year history, the food drive has seen the Vermont legal community raise more than $85,000 and collect over 13,000 items.
“Thank you so much to all who stepped up to support our neighbors in need,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “Vermonters are struggling to keep food on the table and afford the cost of diapers, and each of your contributions has truly made a difference. I am proud that through our collective effort, the legal community has provided nearly $63,000 worth of food for our neighbors in addition to over 1,300 donated items including diapers.”
Vermont Bar Association President Judith Dillon stated: “The VBA is gratified to have been able to partner again this year with the Attorney General’s Office, the Vermont Foodbank, and the Vermont Paralegal Organization to support this excellent cause. Thank you to all attorneys and other members of the legal community who stepped up again this year to help our neighbors.”
Lucia White, CP Pro Bono Chair of VPO added: “The cost of putting food on the table has been increasing over several years. The VPO is glad to play a small role in helping change that through this Food Drive.”
John Sayles CEO of Vermont Foodbank noted: “Neighbors across state continue need support putting food on table because cascading economic disruptions disasters felt across Vermont past year. Together we can ensure everyone in Vermont has needed wanted food security."
Participating organizations included Bauer Gravel Farnham LLP; Bergeron Paradis & Fitzpatrick PC; Deppman Law PLC; Dinse P.C.; Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC; McNeil Leddy & Sheahan P.C.; Paul Frank + Collins P.C.; Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC; Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C.; Stitzel Page & Fletcher PC; along with various groups like VBA VPO.