Vermonters Feeding Vermonters

The Alliance supports the Vermont Foodbank’s request for a $500,000 state allocation to fund Vermonters Feeding Vermonters (VFV), a program to purchase locally grown, fresh produce directly from Vermont farmers to distribute to people struggling with hunger. This investment from the state would improve the health of adults and children in Vermont, provide financial security to local farmers, and strengthen the Vermont economy, all with a reduced environmental footprint.

Continue reading for more information on this priority issue, including data and talking points, connections to the lead organization and other partners, and advocacy tools.

Data and Talking Points

• This innovative new program provides people in Vermont facing hunger with healthy, local food while supporting the state’s agricultural economy, an integral component of the Vermont way of life.
• 1 in 4 people in Vermont turn to the Vermont Foodbank for help each year and it is our fundamental belief that everyone in Vermont deserves access to the fresh, local food that our state has in such abundance. 
• Vermonters Feeding Vermonters has direct benefits for the families receiving the food and also for the state of Vermont. Specifically, families see better health outcomes when they have access to and eat fresh, local produce. Farmers have more financial security when they have contracts ahead of time to purchase large quantities of their produce.
  • 25% of Vermonters Feeding Vermonters recipients reported increased vegetable consumption.
  • 100% of participating growers reported improved financial gains.
• Our economy benefits when we keep our food dollars in-state, rather than purchasing food elsewhere. $1 spent on local produce contributes an additional 60 cents to the local economy.
• Our environmental footprint is reduced because the food is sourced and served locally. Produce is delivered within a 50 mile radius of where it is grown.

Fund Fresh, Local Food for People Facing Hunger

74,500 people in Vermont are food insecure, including 18,700 children. Lack of healthy food during early childhood is linked to health problems, developmental impairments, social and behavioral problems, and challenges in school. Hunger is related to negative health outcomes resulting in higher health care costs for the state.

Access to healthy, fresh food during early childhood is critical for healthy physical and social development. With 18,700 Vermont children facing food insecurity, the state needs a creative solution to ensure that Vermont’s bounty of local, fresh food makes it onto the plates of those who need it most.

Resources and Advocacy Tools

• Vermonters Feeding Vermonters informational video
• Vermonters Feeding Vermonters page on the Vermont Foodbank website
• Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Fact Sheet
• Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance’s 2020 Legislative Agenda
• Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance’s Issue Page – Vermonters Feeding Vermonters

Get Involved

• Complete this quick supporter form to tell your legislator that you want our neighbors facing hunger to have access to local, fresh food.
• To show support for VFV from your organization, scroll to the bottom of the page to add your name to the organization sign on letter.
• Register to join the Vermont Foodbank at the State House on February 6 to tell your legislators you support funding for VFV. The Foodbank will provide you with all you need to make the case!
• Sign up for campaign updates from the Vermont Foodbank.

Schedule an Advocacy Training

Schedule an Alliance training for a group of early childhood professionals, providers, parents, or employers interested in strengthening their advocacy skills or learning more about the issues on the Alliance’s Legislative Agenda. Be informed and ensure your voice is heard on issues impacting Vermont's young children and families.