Over 30 years ago, what started as a simple idea among neighbors has grown into the largest annual food drive in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire.

Project Feed the Thousands was launched in 1994 by Larry Smith and George Haynes. Their initial goal was straightforward yet ambitious: fill a single tractor-trailer with food for people in the Brattleboro area. As food insecurity persisted and community needs evolved over the decades, Project Feed the Thousands expanded significantly in both size and scope. What began as a single-trailer effort now spans across communities in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire, supporting 9 local food shelves, drop-in centers, and family kitchens.

The initiative has also seen incredible fundraising milestones, collecting substantial financial contributions—including over $190,000 in a single recent year—to help local pantries purchase essential provisions. Notably, the organization maintains zero overhead costs, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to community members who need it most.

From a modest local food drive to a pillar of regional community support, Project Feed the Thousands continues to prove that hunger is a challenge best tackled together.

Project Feed the Thousands 2026