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 the ‘Hunger Action Month’ of September. With economic hardships such as inflation and the high cost of housing, 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 together 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 the eight-year history of the food drive, the Vermont legal community has raised more than $85,000 and collected 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 the over 1,300 donated items including diapers.”
Vermont Bar Association President Judith Dillon said, “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 the 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 the Vermont Paralegal Organization, said, “The cost of putting food on the table has been increasing over the last several years. The Vermont Paralegal Organization is glad to play a small role in helping change that through this Food Drive.”
“Neighbors across the state continue to need support putting food on the table because of the cascading economic disruptions and disasters felt across Vermont over this past year. Together we can ensure that everyone in Vermont has the food they need and want. The Vermont Foodbank is grateful for the partnership of organizations like the Vermont Bar Association as we all work toward a Vermont where everyone has food security,” offered John Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank.
This year’s food drive participants are listed below. Within participating categories, those collecting the most items and monetary donations will be recognized at the Vermont Bar Association’s Annual Meeting on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont.
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
Vermont Attorney General’s Office
Vermont Bar Association
Vermont Law Review
Vermont Paralegal Organization
Original source can be found here.