Capitalizing on grant monies made available from Rotary International, Rotary District 7870 – comprising 60 Rotary Clubs in southern New Hampshire and southern Vermont – has earmarked $25,000 for distribution to the New Hampshire and Vermont Food Banks.

The money – based on per capita – will amount to approximately $17,000 for the New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities NH, and $8K for the Vermont Food Bank.

Although Rotary Clubs throughout both states have been donating to local food pantries, it was felt that food bank management at the state level has a stronger awareness of where food insecurities exist within their respective states and to determine where food distribution would be most critical.

Nancy Russell, the current Rotary District Governor who hails from the White River Junction Rotary Club in Vermont, stated, “The first thing you learn when you rely on the food bank is that this wonderful organization always runs the risk of not having sufficient food to feed all families. Via this grant, the Rotarians from District 7870 are helping families in our communities who are experiencing difficult times.” 

“We wanted a way to respond to COVID-19 and help those affected by it,” said Steve Puderbaugh, incoming 2020-2021 Rotary District Governor. “This is not the first time that Rotarians have been involved with disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts,” citing Rotarian donations in 2011 when Hurricane Irene devastated New England. “We are excited to be able to use this $25,000 Disaster Response Grant from the Rotary Foundation to purchase food. Supporting our food banks is vital during this time of uncertainty. It is important to help families meet their basic needs, so they do not have to worry about from where their next meal is coming.”

“The New Hampshire Food Bank wants to assure those in need we are here for them in this time of crisis, and we are tremendously grateful for this generous support from Rotary District 7870,” said Eileen Liponis, executive director, New Hampshire Food Bank. “Our mission is to provide food and resources to the hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire residents who are food insecure, and this funding will definitely help us continue to do this.”

Although Rotary Clubs throughout both states have been donating to local food pantries, it was felt the most efficient way to help with food insecurity was to support the states’ food banks. The New Hampshire and Vermont Food Banks service over 750 local food banks.

Rotary International has already supported COVID-19 efforts across the world by donating over $7 million. New Hampshire and Vermont Rotarians feel it is an honor to be a part of a worldwide initiative to give where the needs are most pressing. Rotary is also involved in mobilizing one million volunteers through the Volunteer Surge initiative, which is an initiative to support healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic.

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