To alleviate hunger locally, C&S is supporting:
The Vermont Food Bank in Barre and Brattleboro with on-going donations of food for neighbors in need. Since 2002 we estimate that this represents over 430,000 meals.
Since 2003, C&S has also made several grants to the food bank that helped provide meals to 20+ groups in Windham County (community kitchens, food pantries, soup kitchens, a senior center and after-school programs) including visits by the Neighborhood Pantry Express and access to the Foodbank Farm Share program.
Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger - With support from C&S, the Campaign has worked in Brattleboro to expand the summer meals program.
C&S and our employees are proud to strengthen families in the places we call home in ways that have impact:
C&S Brattleboro employees donated 700 pounds of kid-friendly food to the Brattleboro Drop In Center, and learned about childhood hunger, as a part of Feeding America’s national hunger action month in 2009. Each pound of food donated by employees received a matching donation to Feeding America’s innovative Back Pack program, supplying food to children who are at-risk of hunger on days when school cafeterias are closed. C&S employees in Aberdeen have held an annual food drive for kids since 2003.
Our commitment to end childhood hunger is matched by an equal passion to increase educational opportunities for all children:
In partnership with First Book, C&S has donated 170,000 books to children, schools and libraries in 8 communities. With this organization we are nurturing a love of reading and learning for children without access to books.
Recent milestones and actions in and around Bethlehem that focus on community and the greater good:
In 2009, pledges from C&S employees to the United Way plus the corporate match totaled $32,000 to the United Way of Windham County and the Monadnock United Way. C&S is honored to be one of 125 United Way National Corporate Leaders.
Local investment in nonprofit groups through the C&S mini-grant program includes:
- AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, Brattleboro, VT
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windham County, Brattleboro, VT
- Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, Brattleboro, VT
- Brattleboro Fire Department, Brattleboro, VT
- Brattleboro Walk In Clinic, Brattleboro, VT
- Windham County SAFE Kids, Brattleboro, VT
Our Brattleboro location is taking steps to improve upon environmental sustainability and to integrate sustainable practices:
- Operations - comprehensive audits of our all distribution centers in 2009 to track energy usage, diagnose problems, and inform improvements.
- Transportation - investment in technology to reduce the number of miles traveled by our trucks, lowering fuel use and carbon emissions.
- Recycling - initiatives include paper, cardboard, wood pallets, plastic wrap, and electronics.
C&S employees are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and bring positive change to their communities. The company organizes and inspires them through:
- Make A Difference Day (a national, annual day of service) - In 2009, C&S employees built and painted a wooden storage shed for the new Brattleboro branch of the Vermont Food Bank. In 2008, employees replaced flooring at the Brattleboro Drop In Center. In previous years employees have accomplished painting projects there and at the Brattleboro Senior Meals Program.
- Dollars for Doers - Through this program, nonprofit organizations benefit twice – once from each C&S employees’ contribution of time and again from a C&S contribution of $1 per hour volunteered.
- Team Up & Make Strides - This program supports teams of four C&S employees who team up and participate in walk-a-thons, runs, bike-a-thons and other similar events to raise awareness and funds for local charities.
