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Torrential rains cause catastrophic flooding in Vermont

#ChefsForVermont
Montpelier, Vermont | July 2023
Several days of intense rain forced many families to evacuate as catastrophic flooding claimed thousands of homes in Vermont. WCK’s Relief Team was on the ground as soon as it was safe to do so, providing meals and water to impacted communities and first responders. We worked with local food trucks and restaurants to ensure nourishing meals reached people in need throughout the state.

Starting July 9, slow-moving storms dumped approximately two months’ worth of rain across the northeastern US. Excessive rainfall caused devastating flooding in Vermont, where floodwaters trapped locals in their homes, washed out roads, and cut off mountain communities.

WCK’s Relief Team first reached impacted areas as soon as it was safe to do so with sandwiches and water and immediately began assessing the needs of communities and rescue crews. Our teams—alongside local restaurants and food trucks—worked quickly throughout the state to get fresh meals to people forced to evacuate and otherwise unable to cook for themselves.

WCK served nourishing plates of food across 10 cities in Lamoille, Washington, and Windsor counties.  Our team partnered with 20 local suppliers and established four public distribution sites to reach the hardest hit communities—including low income and unhoused populations.

By the numbers

9,100

nourishing meals provided

20

restaurant, catering, and food truck partners

Vermonters support neighbors after catastrophic floods

WCK works with local partners wherever we respond to a disaster. Locals understand one another on a deeper level and their expertise helps get the job done quicker and better. Here are the stories of Vermonters helping their neighbors after the floodwaters receded.

More about our efforts

  • July brought two months’ worth of rain in a matter of days to Vermont—multiple cities & towns were submerged. WCK jumped into action immediately, joining neighbors to serve thousands of meals to local families. Read the full #ChefsForVermont story here: https://wck.org/news/vermont-flooding

    Twitter | 7/22/2023
  • Open Hearth Pizza took its wood fired oven to Johnson—a community in Vermont’s hard-hit Lamoille County. WCK teams have been providing meals in the area for over a week & these slices of pizza are bringing joy & comfort to families still clearing debris. 🍕#ChefsForVermont

    Twitter | 7/21/2023
  • The El Gato Cantina meal distribution site in Johnson, VT has become a gathering point for people in the area impacted by last week’s flooding. Neighbors brought a table and chairs for families to take a break from cleanup efforts and enjoy a meal together. #ChefsForVermont

    Twitter | 7/18/2023