Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin has responded to the intensifying need for food and heating support for vulnerable Vermonters with a $15,000 donation to Fuel Your Neighbors, a campaign by Capstone Community Action to provide emergency food and heating assistance to households in need.
“We are so thrilled by this commitment from CVMC to help serve our most vulnerable community members,” stated Sue Minter, Capstone’s executive director. “Poverty is the leading public health crises facing our state and nation and access to basic necessities like food and heat are critical to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our neighbors.”
Capstone’s food shelf, the largest in central Vermont, had more than 1,800 visits from individuals in January. The number of households accessing its emergency heating assistance has increased 26 percent compared to last winter. Capstone anticipates it will serve well over 5,000 central Vermonters in need of food and heat this year.
“Members of our community are facing significant challenges this winter due to prolonged exposure to the cold and lack of shelter and food insecurity. All of these risks are part of CVMC’s focus on improving our population’s health.” said Anna Tempesta Noonan, president and COO of Central Vermont Medical Center. “Capstone’s programs serve a vital role in helping to safeguard our community. We are proud to support Fuel Your Neighbors and encourage others to do the same.”
Capstone Community Action’s Fuel Your Neighbors campaign is a 100-day initiative, in partnership with VSECU, to raise money to provide emergency food and heating assistance. With less than 30 days left in the campaign, Capstone is working to raise $15,000 more to support its food shelf and emergency heating programs. In addition to leadership support from CVMC and VSECU, major supporters include National Life Group, Hickok and Boardman, The Alchemist, Lawson’s Liquids, North Country Federal Credit Union, numerous other businesses and individuals who are helping to meet this critical need.
“We are very pleased with the success of the campaign so far,” remarked Minter. “But, it’s been a long, hard winter already and the need is great. There are so many things beyond our control these days, but this is something where our community can make a real difference. Support for Fuel Your Neighbors helps put food on a family’s table and heat in their home, so their kids are nourished and ready to learn in school.”
CVMC is affiliated with the UVM Health Network.
