Vermont Sugarmakers to Package Syrup for Soldiers in Iraq

By admin - Posted on April 21st, 2008

“Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness” Nears Completion

April 18, 2008 -- Underhill Center, VT—Vermont maple syrup, donated by producers all around the state, will soon be on its way to Vermont troops as a reminder of the sights, smells and tastes of home.

Over the past three months, the Operation Maple Sweetness committee has been soliciting donations of Vermont maple syrup from sugarmakers throughout the state.

Wood-fired maple syrup evaporater: Photo by Doug Letterman (CC)

Despite a mixed season, producers and packers are responding with donations of syrup for troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. The project is a partnership between the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, Vermont Maple Foundation, Vermont Maple Industry Council and many other individuals and businesses.

That syrup will be packaged into pint containers at Butternut Mountain Farms at 37 Industrial Park in Morrisville on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The containers will have a special label and a letter which states, “The pure Vermont maple syrup packed inside these cases, was produced with care, and donated by, the Vermont maple syrup producers and packers as well as Vermont citizens. We want you to know how much everyone at home appreciates your courage, your sacrifice and your desire to serve your country. This is our way of sending you a taste of home.”

“This is a small token of sincere appreciation for the supreme dedication that our men and women in uniform are making on behalf of all of us,” stated Sam Cutting, IV, chairperson of the committee. Sending maple syrup to troops overseas is a Vermont tradition, beginning in the Civil War when maple sugar was sent to troops and continuing in WWII when maple sugar cakes were sent to soldiers overseas.

There is still time to donate syrup or to send cash contributions. Syrup can be donated until April 30 to the drop-off locations listed on www.vermontmaple.org. For more information about sponsorships call Sam Cutting IV at (802) 425-3971 and for syrup donations call Rick Marsh (802) 644-5482. Anyone wishing to make a cash donation may send it send it to: Mary Croft, Treasurer, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, 491 East Barnard Road, S. Royalton, VT, 05068.

Source: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food Markets

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