Vermont Foodbank
Vermont Foodbank is a public charity based in Barre, Vermont. Its mission is to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont goes hungry. It distributes food through a network of more than 220 partners and funds grants to network and community partner organizations addressing food access.
Vermont Foodbank at a glance
In short: Vermont Foodbank gave $21.3M across 120 grants in 2025 (avg $177K), top state Vermont. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $21,254,135
- +24.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 120
- -38.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $177,118
- +101.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $9,990
- Total assets
- $35,694,932
- +2.4% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Vermont (20% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Vermont Foodbank
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 Catalyst Cohort application deadline is March 20, 2026. Its application process begins with a brief organizational self-assessment; organizations assessed as a strong fit receive the full application.
- Deadline
- The 2026 Catalyst Cohort application deadline is March 20, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 476-3341
Website: https://vtfoodbank.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Vermont Foodbank funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Distribution Activities and Direct Distribution ($16.9M). Together the top 10 received $19.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
317 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 233 grants of 317 (74%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grant data lists Vermont as the recipient state for 100% of grant dollars. Vermont Foodbank’s 2026 Catalyst Cohort is for its Network Partners, and the organization describes its work with partners across Vermont.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 120 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Vermont Foodbank gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $12.7M (2019) to $25.2M (2021). In 2025 it made 120 grants totaling $21.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Activities and Direct Distribution | Addressing Food Insecurity | $16,947,647 |
| Slate Valley School VVG Fair Haven, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $460,655 |
| Mt Ascutney Hospital Jericho, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $456,549 |
| VVG - Brattleboro Retreat Brattleboro, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $438,020 |
| Winooski School District Winooski, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $418,952 |
| VVG - Porter Medical Center Middlebury, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $330,706 |
| VVG - Academy School Brattleboro, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $292,290 |
| Ruraledge (Mountain View Apt (Sash)) Island Pond, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $152,931 |
| Greater Randolph Senior Center Randolph, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $124,680 |
| Capstone Community Action Inc Barre, VT | Addressing Food Insecurity | $104,992 |
Ready to take the next step with Vermont Foodbank?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The organization reported that in fiscal year 2024 it funded more than 480 grants totaling almost $2.7 million to network and community partner organizations. These figures are separate from the filing-year grant totals above. It also reported relying on reserves in fiscal year 2024 as expenses remained above pre-pandemic budgets.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,694,932 | $35,923,073 | $34,754,340 | $21,254,135 | 120 | $495,367 |
| 2024 | $34,865,077 | $31,270,540 | $35,315,990 | $17,095,587 | 194 | $405,882 |
| 2023 | $35,746,376 | $34,063,087 | $36,682,200 | $17,676,625 | 1 | $520,129 |
| 2022 | $37,316,599 | $36,820,063 | $35,115,913 | $17,402,681 | 1 | $-118,826 |
| 2021 | $36,203,643 | $50,152,047 | $38,488,441 | $25,175,802 | 1 | $263,580 |
| 2020 | $24,950,498 | $44,488,536 | $34,429,581 | $22,193,907 | 1 | $108,010 |
| 2019 | $14,785,742 | $26,613,438 | $23,606,024 | $12,685,388 | 3 | $192,319 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Vermont Foodbank’s stated mission is “to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont goes hungry.” Its grants support network and program partner organizations. Grant opportunities described by the organization include funding for food-access activities and purchases, as well as organizational learning and resilience.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of local work. Capstone Community Action says it works to alleviate poverty and promote economic well-being in Vermont communities. Putney Foodshelf says it provides healthy supplemental food to people in need. Good Samaritan Haven says it provides emergency shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness. These are the grantees’ own descriptions of their missions.
Grantmaking
All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Vermont. The largest listed awards included $104,992 to Capstone Community Action, $59,163 to Hardwick Area Food Pantry, and $51,192 to Janet S Munt Family Room; each was for “addressing food insecurity.”
Vermont Foodbank’s Community Grants Program offers grants to network and program partners through opportunities available at different times of year. The 2026 Catalyst Cohort is a peer-learning program for Network Partners. Participants are expected to complete an organizational self-assessment, submit a full application, attend monthly cohort sessions, and take part in a final in-person gathering. Each participating partner receives $20,000 to support organizational resilience. The Next Step Grant supports partner organizations’ focused learning and organizational improvement; its first funding tier is $100–$500, and the grant is not intended for ongoing operating costs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mitzi Johnson as board chair, Penrose Jackson as vice chair, and Amy Marie Davenport as secretary. Trustees listed are Will Eberle, Mike Hourigan, Ian MacFarland, Jacob Park, Melissa Roberge, Liz Ruffa, and Elizabeth Schumacher.
Vermont Foodbank is led by John Sayles, Chief Executive Officer since 2021 (on filings since 2019); 7 of 19 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John Sayles
Chief Executive Officer
CEO → Chief Executive Officer, 2021
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$146K (2019) → $179K (2025)
Mitzi Johnson
Board Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Liz Ruffa
Trustee
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jacob Park
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Roberge
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Will Eberle
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Schumacher
Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ian Macfarland
Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Hourigan
Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fitzroy Beckford
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Ellen Schimoller
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Meehan
Chief Community Impact Officer
Chief Impact Officer → Chief Community Impact Officer, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$112K (2021) → $118K (2025)
Jason Maring
Chief Operations Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$108K (2021) → $122K (2025)
Hillary Orsini
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$103K (2023) → $124K (2025)
Leesa Stewart
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$38K (2024) → $128K (2025)
Monica Urquhart
Chief Equity People & Culture Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$29K (2024) → $127K (2025)
Sarah Keblin
Chief Philanthropy Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$87K (2024) → $123K (2025)
Penrose Jackson
Vice Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2022
Chair → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Marie Davenport
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Julie-Ann Graves (2019–2024) — Former Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Allison Mindel (2021–2024) — Former Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Former: Jeff Tieman (2019–2023) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Martha Trombley Oakes (2019–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Michael Hourigan (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Bruce Nash (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Samara Bushey (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Doug Lantagne (2019–2021) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Jan Scites (2019–2021) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Joseph Zuaro (2019–2021) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Vesta Bovair (2020–2021) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Beth Rusnock (2019–2020) — Trustee "past"
- Former: Susan Bassett (2019) — Trustee "past"
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $179K, to John Sayles (Chief Executive Officer). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Vermont Foodbank
How much does Vermont Foodbank give each year?
Vermont Foodbank gave $21.3M across 120 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $17.1M across 194 grants.
What is Vermont Foodbank's typical grant size?
Vermont Foodbank's median grant in 2025 was $9,990, and its average grant was $177,118, across 120 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Vermont Foodbank give grants?
Vermont Foodbank's top state is Vermont, with 20% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The most frequent recipient cities were Barre, VT (9 grants), Brattleboro, VT (6 grants), Rutland, VT (6 grants) and Bennington, VT (4 grants).
Does Vermont Foodbank give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 120 grants with a stated purpose on Vermont Foodbank's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Addressing Food Insecurity" (120 grants).
Who are Vermont Foodbank's largest grantees?
Vermont Foodbank's largest 2025 grantees include Distribution Activities and Direct Distribution ($16,947,647), Slate Valley School VVG ($460,655) and Mt Ascutney Hospital ($456,549), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 84% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Vermont Foodbank?
Vermont Foodbank reported $35.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $35.9M.
What does Vermont Foodbank fund?
Vermont Foodbank’s stated mission is “to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont goes hungry.” Its grants support network and program partner organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Vermont Foodbank?
Vermont Foodbank has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check vtfoodbank.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Vermont Foodbank's EIN?
Vermont Foodbank's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3021942. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 28, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 31, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 18, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Vermont Foodbank's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Vermont Foodbank funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/vermont-foodbank-morg_5ac77031ce844560921b8c944245ff84
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_223021942_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Vermont Foodbank funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/vermont-foodbank-morg_5ac77031ce844560921b8c944245ff84},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Vermont Foodbank's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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