Throughout the year, Hunger Mountain Co-op partners with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, Co-op members and shoppers to support the local community in a variety of ways, including donations, sponsorships, and community grants. Every November and December, our co-op intensifies its efforts to help feed our neighbors in need.

On December 12, Co-op members and staff spent the day at the Vermont Foodbank, filling grocery bags will healthy, high-need pantry staples like organic peanut butter, local apples and freshly baked bread. Known as the Holiday Grocery Pack, and now in its sixteenth year, this event had generous support from Northfield Savings Bank, Co-op shoppers, and vendors, including Cabot Creamery, Albert’s Organics, Organic Valley, McKenzie Natural Artisan Deli, Vermont Coffee Company, Sunrise Orchards, and La Panciata Bakery. Through the efforts of everyone involved, 650 grocery bags were packed for six local nonprofits and three area schools. This year’s recipients included Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, Family Center of Washington County, Montpelier Food Pantry, Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Downstreet Housing & Community Development, Good Beginnings of Central Vermont, Barre City Elementary, Barre Town School and Union Elementary School.

On the following day, staff from WDEV and LOCAL 22/44 arrived at the Co-op for the second annual Feed A Family Food & Fund Drive. Working together, they continued the week-long collection of food donations while gathering cash donations as well. One of those generous cash gifts was an anonymous donation of $5,000 made by a community member who wanted to support all of Vermont Foodbank’s work while encouraging everyone else to join in that effort. Many did, including community partners such as VSECU and downtown retailers from the Montpelier Business Association. Other individuals donated by giving in cash, making a donation at the register or rounding up their purchase to the next dollar. Hunger Mountain Co-op also matched the first $1,000 donated. Collectively, all of those generous gifts added up to nearly 1,100 pounds of food and over $10,000 for the Vermont Foodbank and central Vermont food shelves.

Thank you to all of our partners, shoppers, members and everyone who made these events such a huge success.