Fighting Food Insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire

With the end of many pandemic-related food relief programs—including increase in SNAP benefits And free school lunches-as well as Rising inflation and food prices, the risk of food insecurity for the residents of our region continues to grow. across Vermont And new Hampshire1 in 11 and 1 in 14 people currently face food insecurity with the numbers respectively expected to climb Even more in the coming months.

food insecurity, defined As a “household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” by the Department of Health and Human Services, it’s not just about hunger. Food insecurity can have a major impact on health, education, education and even the economic stability of our region. This is also something we can all work together to overcome. For this post, we wanted to take the time to talk about this common issue that is dear to our hearts, and how we work with local organizations to tackle it and increase access to quality, healthy food ( And you can too!).

Local Causes of Food Insecurity in New Hampshire and Vermont

The causes of food insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire both follow national trends, while some of the underlying origins are unique to our New England region. These causes are often interrelated, making it difficult to address them individually. Some local issues affecting food security include:

• Support Intervals: Public assistance often does not cover all food needs, especially in our area. as you can see This map from the Urban InstituteThe difference between the profit received and the actual cost of food varies from 10-50% all counties in New Hampshire and Vermont. In other words, the high cost of living in our area (about 16% higher than the national average) reduces the impact of these benefits for eligible households.
• Lack of access to food: Public transit may be lacking as New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute tells, “disproportionately affect certain populations,” including low-income households. Without public transportation, residents living in areas with easy access to healthy food rely on private vehicles—an added burden for low-income families. in almost every district new Hampshire There are areas that are both low income and low access, with large areas of the state—particularly in Northwest New Hampshire—where lack of vehicle access presents significant challenges. in Vermont, more than 30,000 Residents live in food deserts.
• Health Issues and Disabilities: About 20% family With one member who was not in the labor force due to a disability, it had little food security. Additionally, many older adults living on a fixed income, often limited by Social Security benefits, may have difficulty accessing healthy foods due to health and mobility issues, as well as a lack of transportation. About 10% of adults over the age of 60 in Vermont Considered “moderately food unsafe”.

Union Bank’s contribution to combat food insecurity

At Union Bank, we recognize that food insecurity exists in and affects every community, and we look forward to working one-on-one with many regional organizations in an effort to reduce the impact of food insecurity and increase access for our residents. give priority. Fresh, healthy food. Here are some of the non-profits fighting food insecurity we work with in our area:

Lamoille Community Food Share

Lamoille Community Food Share is a non-profit volunteer group dedicated to ensuring food security for everyone in and around Lamoille County, Vermont. Located at 197 Harrell Street in Morrisville, the Food Share Pantry is the perfect place for families facing food insecurity to get the help they need. Visitors to the pantry can also pick up food for friends and neighbors who cannot come in person.

On average, their pantry sees about 800 visits and distributes over 36,000 pounds of food each month. While visits were down during the pandemic, the Pantry is seeing an increase in visits each week, currently at about 84% of pre-pandemic levels. As Lamoille Community Food Share writes, “Although the need is great, we strive to remain dedicated to our mission of feeding our neighbors in need. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our community, including partners like Union Bank.”

Salvation Farm

mission of Salvation Farm Bridging the gap between Vermont’s abundant agricultural surplus and those who need it most: the young, the elderly, the sick, the incarcerated, and those facing food insecurity. Salvation Farms believes in leading by example, and works tirelessly to improve the food system and make Vermont a national leader in the effort. Their motto: “Don’t let edible food go to waste!”

Salvation Farms serves 10,000 to 12,000 individuals in northeastern Vermont by providing locally grown surplus food to more than 50 different community-based food access programs. In 2022, Salvation Farms distributed over 82,000 pounds (about 250,000 servings) of locally grown surplus crops gathered from local farms and 3,700 plant starts, 1,370 pounds of cheese, 37 loaves, and 1,290 dozen eggs. Salvation Farms collection of surplus food from local farms during 2022 was supported by 183 volunteers who contributed a combined 746 hours. Salvation Farms also makes lightly processed, frozen meals from locally grown surplus crops, extending shelf-life and increasing access to our region’s agricultural abundance.

Salvation Farms can help Vermont’s agricultural surplus reach those in need by overcoming barriers such as supply chain issues, lack of infrastructure, labor challenges and market economics. As they write, “Salvation Farms greatly appreciates and considers the years of support we have received from Union Bank [Union Bank] An important community partner.

Meals on Wheels and Lamoille Elders Networking Services

Lamoille Elders Networking Services (LENS) started its journey in 1991 with the help of a 3 year federal grant through Project CARE. In 1993, it became a private non-profit organization whose mission was to develop and fund new services for the elderly and connect them with community volunteers. Thanks to various grants, donations and support, Lens has been able to upgrade its kitchen space and equipment, including replacing chest freezers with walk-in coolers and freezers. Today, LENS serves over 40,000 meals annually and remains an important organization for Lamoille’s elders.

LENS provides an average of 190 meals per day, five days per week, including weekends and frozen meals throughout Lamoille County. LENS has over 60 active volunteers including 45 volunteer drivers who deliver meals each week. Recipients of Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County count on them for more than just a meal. Meals on Wheels visits are wellness checks, provides pet food and food share bags, and gives recipients a connection with other community services. As LENS writes, “Union Bank has been a valued community partner for over 20 years!”

For community members who are interested in volunteering, know that volunteers are needed now more than ever. To volunteer, deliver food, help out at their food site, or become a board member, contact Nicole for more information: [email protected] or 802-888-5011 ext.1.

Join the fight against food insecurity

Universal access to fresh, healthy food is essential to the well-being of our communities in Vermont and New Hampshire. As many pandemic-era relief programs are coming to an end, it is more important than ever that we support the regional organizations that have been instrumental in protecting our residents from the worst consequences of food insecurity.

At Union Bank, we’ve been a part of your community since 1891, partnering with dozens of charitable organizations in Lamoille County, Caledonia County, Franklin County, Washington County, Chittenden County and throughout northern New Hampshire. We know that being a community bank means more than just providing financial services – it means doing our part to support and uplift the communities we serve.

Stop by one of our 19 branches to learn more about how you can help fight food insecurity in our communities.