MONTPELIER —Attorney General Charity Clark, the Vermont Bar Association (VBA), the Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO), and the Vermont Foodbank jointly announced the collective impact of the annual Vermont Legal Community Fighting Hunger Food and Diaper Drive on Friday. In the two weeks of this year’s drive, professionals across Vermont’s legal community together raised $20,033, which will supply more than $192,316 worth of food to Vermonters. Over 2,900 diapers and over 1,100 other items were donated and brought to local food shelves or meal sites partnered with the Vermont Foodbank.
“Food insecurity affects Vermonters in every corner of our state, and too many families are still facing difficult choices about how to put food on the table,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “For ten years, Vermont’s legal community has come together to support our neighbors, and this year’s drive is another powerful example of what we can accomplish when we work together. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to help make sure Vermonters have access to the food and essentials they need.”
Since 2017, legal professionals across the state have mobilized to donate funds, food, and other essential goods to Vermonters during Hunger Action Month in September. In the ten-year history of the food drive, the Vermont legal community has raised more than $119,000 and collected over 18,600 items.
“We are so proud of the Vermont bar’s continued support of their neighbors," said Kim Velk, Executive Director of the VBA, and Jordana Levine, VBA President, in a joint statement. "Food insecurity is a fundamental human rights crisis, and one we can all work together to end. We want to thank the AGO and everyone involved for their time on this initiative.”
“This year’s evolving landscape has created significant challenges for Vermonters and communities across the nation," said Melinda Devoid-Siel, RP, President of the Vermont Paralegal Organization. "The VPO is grateful for the continued opportunity to work alongside our valued partners, year after year, to support those in need.”
“This year's drive will help the Vermont Foodbank provide over $192,000 worth of food to communities across the state, a powerful reminder of what's possible when the legal community shows up for their neighbors. Vermonters are still struggling to keep food on the table, and partnerships like this one, now in its tenth year, make a real difference in local food shelves and meal sites. We're deeply grateful to the Vermont Bar Association and the Vermont Paralegal Organization for their continued commitment,” added John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO.
This year’s food drive participants include Barber & Waxman; Bauer Gravel Farnham LLP; Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick, PC; Dinse, P.C.; Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC; Paul Frank + Collins P.C.; Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC; Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C.; Stitzel Page & Fletcher, PC; Vermont Agency of Natural Resources; Vermont Office of Professional Regulation; Vermont Attorney General’s Office; Vermont Bar Association; and Vermont Paralegal Organization.