Attorney General Clark Shares Impact of 10th Annual Legal Community Food and Diaper Drive

Attorney General Charity Clark, the Vermont Bar Association (VBA), the Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO), and the Vermont Foodbank today jointly announced the collective impact of the annual Vermont Legal Community Fighting Hunger Food and Diaper Drive. 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.

Kim Velk, Executive Director of the VBA, and Jordana Levine, VBA President, jointly shared, "We are so proud of the Vermont bar's continued support of their neighbors. 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."

Melinda Devoid-Siel, RP, President of the Vermont Paralegal Organization, remarked, "This year's evolving landscape has created significant challenges for Vermonters and communities across the nation. 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," said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO.

This year's food drive participants are listed below. Within participating categories, those collecting the most items and monetary donations will be recognized at the Vermont Bar Association's Annual Meeting.

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

Vermont Paralegal Organization

Contact: Haley Sommer, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171