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 outcome of the Vermont Legal Community Fighting Hunger Food Drive. For the past seven years, legal professionals across the state have come together to run the food drive during Hunger Action Month in September. Vermonters have faced many challenges over the last three years including a COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships such as inflation, and recent flooding events. For many, these challenges have made it difficult to keep food on the table. This year, Attorney General Clark expanded the scope of the drive to include diapers, as there is no government subsidy for families experiencing diaper need in Vermont.
In the two weeks of this year’s food drive, professionals across the Vermont legal community together raised $12,194, which will supply more than $50,483 worth of food to Vermonters. All funds donated went directly to the important work of the Vermont Foodbank. Over 1,000 food, diapers, and other items donated were brought to local food shelves or meal sites partnered with the Vermont Foodbank. In the seven-year history of the food drive, the Vermont legal community has raised more than $70,000 and collected over 12,000 items.
“Thank you so much to all who participated in this year’s food and diaper drive,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “The recent flooding has increased Vermonters’ struggles to keep food on the table and afford the cost of diapers. Your contributions have truly made a difference. I am proud that through our collective effort the legal community has provided over $50,483 worth of food for our neighbors.”
Vermont Bar Association President Andrew Manitsky said, “Service to the public is a pillar of the mission of the Vermont Bar Association. We are pleased to have been able to work again this year with the Vermont Foodbank, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Vermont Paralegals’ Organization to help Vermonters with this most basic need.”
Lucia White, CP, Pro Bono Chair of the Vermont Paralegal Organization said, “This year has presented many challenges to Vermonters. The Vermont Paralegal Organization is grateful for the opportunity to help feed others in these difficult times.”
“With people in Vermont navigating multiple, intersecting crises—the end of pandemic supports, economic disruptions, and now disastrous flooding around the state, we are so grateful for the continued support of partners like the Legal Community. The long tail of recovery requires all of us to act to support neighbors and communities to achieve a Vermont without hunger,” 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 were recognized at the Vermont Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Burlington, Vermont.
- Bauer Gravel Farnham LLP
- Bergeron, Paradis, & Fitzpatrick, PC
- Downs Rachlin Martin
- Faulkner Legal LLC
- Paul Frank + Collins P.C.
- Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C.
- Stitzel Page & Fletcher, PC
- Vermont Paralegal Organization
- Vermont Attorney General’s Office
- Vermont Bar Association
Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171