Feeding hope, feeding thousands

Neighbors helping neighbors

In the small towns of southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire, Project Feed the Thousands directly supports nine local food shelves, uniting local residents, businesses, faith organizations and nonprofits to end hunger.

Food insecurity can affect anyone. Prices are rising faster than wages, and many are on a fixed income. Medical bills are adding up and are tougher to pay. Mental health challenges and substance use disorders can disrupt lives, adding to financial stress. If someone nearby is going hungry, Project Feed is working to make sure they know where their next meal is coming from.

“Project Feed not only helps food recipients, they also bring our community together in a way that nourishes us all.”

– Drew Richards, agency principal, The Richards Group

The Richards Group, an independent insurance agency deeply committed to giving back, has supported Project Feed since the nonprofit was founded over 30 years ago. “We rally behind causes that are close to our hearts,” explained Drew Richards, agency principal at TRG. “Project Feed not only helps food recipients, they also bring our community together in a way that nourishes us all.”

Because Project Feed is 100% volunteer-driven, with no paid employees, they rely on community partners like TRG. “The Richards Group are true community champions,” says Kelli Corbeil, board chair and president of Project Feed. “Their unwavering support helps Project Feed purchase, store and distribute food to local families in need.”

Evolving support

Project Feed runs its food drive campaign in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Tracey John, TRG employee and board member of Project Feed, organizes a variety of initiatives to engage both staff members and customers alike. In past years, potluck lunches were held where everyone who contributed a dish made a donation to the cause. Donation buckets have also been set up in TRG offices in most years for staff and community members to bring nonperishable food items. Agency staff would then bring the donations to Project Feed for distribution.

“The Richards Group are true community champions. Their unwavering support helps Project Feed purchase, store and distribute food to local families in need.”

– Kelli Corbeil, board chair and president, Project Feed the Thousands

With remote work becoming more prevalent now, TRG’s community support initiatives have evolved as well. In addition to donations of food or cash in the office during the holiday season, staff can make financial contributions online anytime.

Through its unwavering dedication to supporting nonprofits like Project Feed, The Richards Group exemplifies what it means to be an active member within the local communities they serve. And with support from TRG and other like-minded community members and businesses, Project Feed creates hope where there was once hunger.

Vote to end hunger

Your vote could help feed more people who would otherwise go hungry. Project Feed plans to evenly distribute funds from a Make More Happen award among the nine local foods shelves they directly support. This financial boost would enable these food shelves to bulk-purchase essential items, like canned meats and proteins, which struggling families often lack but greatly need.

Help The Richards Group win $10,000 for Project Feed the Thousands by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below by April 30, 2024.