2/17--Wristbands are now available at Chae's and Pump N Stuff!

In 2011, the Vermillion Community Food Pantry served 4000 people, an increase of 50%. This unprecedented community need inspired Josh Anderson, a Master of Business Administration student at The University of South Dakota (USD), to take action and do something meaningful.

Anderson created wristbands that feature the phrase “I (heart) Verm.” “Verm” is the nickname for Vermillion frequently used by USD students, and the heart is reminiscent of souvenirs sold in New York City. Anderson began selling them throughout the community with the goal of raising $1,000 for the Vermillion Food Pantry by the end of February. He was invited by the United Church of Christ to sell the wristbands during its after-church social gathering. His proactive approach was also lauded at a recent Vermillion City Council meeting.

“I’ve worked on food drives for the food pantry, but drives only meet about half the demand for the year,” said Anderson. “I thought this would be a creative way to help meet the rest of the need.” Anderson added, “The community is always very generous with contributions, but I wanted to give them something tangible in return that also projects a positive image of Vermillion. It might help break down the perception of the town-gown divide. Most students love Vermillion and appreciate everything the community does for us.”

Growth in demand at the food pantry is driven by the broader issue of increasing poverty rates in Vermillion. Rates have continued to climb with the most recent figures showing 23% of all people in Clay County living below the poverty level. “We are actively dealing with the poverty issue by working to create job opportunities in Vermillion that increase household income, but that is a slow process, and organizations like the food pantry are vital in the meantime,” said Steve Howe, Executive Director of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company (VCDC). “I’m impressed to see individuals like Josh step up and address the problem head on.

John Grayson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Nonprofit Association and Vermillion Alderman, praised Anderson’s initiative. “Josh’s work reminds us that we all need to be creative in how we think about solving tough problems. This entrepreneurial effort is going to have very real results in raising revenue for the food pantry while increasing community pride.”

The wristbands sell for only $2.00 each, and half of the profit goes to the Vermillion Community Food Pantry. Wristbands can be purchased in Vermillion at the VCDC offices at 116 Market Street and at First Bank & Trust at 20 E Main St. Anderson also hopes to offer the wristbands through other local businesses and church events. If you are interested in bulk orders, please contact Josh at josh.e.and@gmail.com.

You can also give directly to the Vermillion Community Food Pantry by sending donations or dropping off food items at 816 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069. The Vermillion Community Food Pantry offers food supplies for 7-10 days to low or moderate-income Clay County families. Anyone in Clay County who has financial difficulties is welcome at the facility regardless of race, sex, age, or religious creed. For more information about the Vermillion Food Pantry, go to www.vermillionfoodpantry.org.

Please also read the Plain Talk’s article about Anderson’s wristbands.