Allstate agency owners are coming together to support the Vermont Foodbank by holding a donation drive in their agencies until Sept. 15. Agency owners are calling on residents to support local families and youth as they begin the new school year by donating items for the Foodbank’s BackPack Program, an initiative that distributes kid-friendly, nonperishable, vitamin-fortified food to students in need.
“When I learned that one in four Vermont residents struggle with hunger, I knew that my team and I had to do something,” said Michael Coburn, Allstate agency owner in Williston. “Giving back is core to who we are, which is why we’re proud to support the Vermont Foodbank and their efforts to alleviate hunger in our communities.”
The Vermont Foodbank’s BackPack Program provides food to approximately 1,250 youth each week throughout the school year. Students are identified for this program by guidance counselors, school nurses and other school staff by sending permission slips home to parents. This year alone, the nonprofit anticipates that approximately 45,000 backpacks and 160,000 pounds of food will be provided to local families through this program.
The most needed items for the BackPack Program include canned vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, soups and chili, hot or cold cereal, granola bars, nuts, peanut butter, juice and dry pasta.
“On behalf of our neighbors facing hunger, we are so grateful to Allstate and the Allstate Foundation for stepping up to make a difference,” said Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles. “Because of their efforts, fewer Vermont children will go to bed hungry. That means more kids will wake up ready to learn so that they can grow up to reach their full potential. Giving food truly can transform a child’s life.”