Cannabis Farm Announces $2,500 Donation to Vermont Foodbank
South Hero, VT (August 17, 2026) — Sunset Lake Cannabis, a farmer-owned sungrown cannabis operation in South Hero, announced today a $2,500 donation to the Vermont Foodbank, the state's largest hunger-relief organization and only food bank. The contribution will provide approximately $24,000 worth of groceries to Vermont families facing food insecurity.
"We believe in taking care of our neighbors and investing in the well-being of our community," said Sam Bellavance, Founder & CEO of Sunset Lake Cannabis. "The Vermont Foodbank plays a vital role in making sure everyone in Vermont has access to healthy food, and we're honored to help advance that mission."
As a member of Feeding America, the Vermont Foodbank distributes over 14 million pounds of food annually through more than 300 community partners, including food shelves, meal sites, schools, hospitals, and housing sites. The organization is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits in the hunger-relief sector.
At this moment, many Vermonters are being challenged by high food prices, rising fuel costs, and unpredictable changes to social support programs. Addressing this food security crisis requires collaboration across many sectors.
“We know how deeply Vermonters care about their neighbors, and this gift from Sunset Lake Cannabis is a wonderful example of that,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “At a time when so many people are feeling the pressure of high costs, support like this helps Vermont Foodbank and our community partners make sure people can access the food they need. We’re grateful to Sunset Lake for being part of that work.”
Sunset Lake Cannabis views sustainability as extending beyond its own fields to the broader Vermont community. The company believes local economic health depends on mutual support among neighbors. As a Sun+Earth Certified farm, it meets rigorous standards for regenerative cultivation plus social engagement, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and active community support as part of responsible farming practice.
"As a Vermont cannabis farm with deep roots in the state's dairy and agricultural traditions, we see local food systems as essential infrastructure," said Bellavance. "Our regenerative farming practices improve the quality of the soil we farm on. Community partnerships improve the quality of life for our neighbors. We see both as being part of our sustainability mission."
This donation is part of Sunset Lake Cannabis's ongoing commitment to Vermont community partnerships. Since its founding, Sunset Lake has contributed more than $150,000 to local and national non-profits via its three brands: Sunset Lake Cannabis, Sunset Lake CBD, and Lake Effect Vermont Cannabis Market. Sunset Lake plans to continue investing in programs that help Vermonters thrive, season after season.
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About Sunset Lake Cannabis
Sunset Lake Cannabis is a farmer-owned cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, and retailer based in South Hero, Vermont. The farm grows Sun+Earth Certified, sungrown cannabis using regenerative practices including cover cropping, crop rotation, and Integrated Pest Management. Sunset Lake produces a full portfolio of cannabis products serving both the adult-use market and medical cannabis patients. Sunset Lake Cannabis is a proud member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), Lake Champlain Chamber (LCC), the Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont (CRAV), Vermont NORML, and the Vermont Growers Association (VGA). Find their products at their South Hero flagship farm market, Lake Effect Vermont, and at licensed cannabis retailers across the Green Mountain State. Learn more at sunsetlakecannabis.com.