In response to the dire economic forecast Vermonters are facing this winter, the Arts Council organized “doing our pART”, an online art auction to benefit the Vermont Foodbank.
More than 80 Vermont artists and arts organizations donated an exciting array of art, jewelry, tickets, CDs, photography, sculpture, private concerts, music lessons and "arts experiences."
When the bidding closed on Thursday, December 4th, the bids totalled $10,254 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Vermont Foodbank. As a result, the Foodbank can purchase 30,000 lbs of fresh, nutritious food and feed more than 23,000 Vermonters.
The Arts Council extends our sincerest thanks to the artists and organizations who contributed items to the auction, and to the people who generously bid.
- Food prices are up an average 12.5% in the past year and staples like rice and potatoes have increased 30%.
- Stagnant wages and rising unemployment are driving a growing number of Vermont families to the brink of financial ruin.
- 14,500 Vermonters access the state’s charitable food system each week and middle class families are the fastest growing demographic in need.
- This year, the Vermont Foodbank expects an unprecedented 25-30% of Vermonters will tap into their services.
- For every dollar donated, the Foodbank can acquire and distribute 3 pounds of food.
The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving more than 66,000 Vermonters annually through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food. Every week, 14,500 Vermonters access the state’s charitable food system with middle class families as their fastest growing demographic.