As the state imposes new restrictions and the holiday season draws closer, we at VTDigger have been asking what our community needs to stay safe and informed.
We know that strong reporting contributes to more accountable governance, greater civic engagement and a shared sense of community. Nonprofit news publishers like VTDigger can’t do this work without member support. And we also know this pandemic has exacerbated every existing societal issue, throwing more people than ever into precarious circumstances.
Before the pandemic hit, about 1 in 10 Vermonters reported struggling with access to food. In March, that number increased to 1 in 3.
The charitable food system in Vermont has heroically stepped up, bringing this number down over the course of the past nine months to 1 in 4 Vermonters. But the hunger aid provided through the CARES Act, which has made emergency programming possible, will end on Dec. 31.
The need is still here. The Vermont Foodbank is anticipating an immense increase in need for food as aid programs end. They are deeply concerned about how Vermonters will feed themselves and their families through the winter and into 2021.
That’s why VTDigger is partnering with the Vermont Foodbank this year for our annual membership drive.
For every donation received, VTDigger will donate the cost of 10 meals to the Vermont Foodbank. Our goal is to inspire 800 members to give so we can donate 8,000 meals by Thanksgiving.
If you rely on VTDigger’s nonprofit news coverage in these uncertain times, please support our reporting with a donation today. Your gift will also help Vermonters who are struggling to afford food. If you wish to donate directly to the Vermont Foodbank, click here.
Thank you for reading and for caring about the people of our state.
Yours,
Anne Galloway
