Food Insecurity Increases, But Help Exists

If you’ve run into struggles to pay for food, you are far from alone. The Vermont Foodbank can help.

Food insecurity rates have been rising since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the end of food support programs. Recent 2023 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data shows that Vermont’s rate of food insecurity went up for the second year in a row.

What is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is a commonly heard phrase, but it is defined by the USDA as a household's limited or uncertain access to adequate, nutritious food due to lack of money or other resources. That’s something many can relate to.

While there are a variety of causes for food insecurity, one reason is simple: food, especially fresh, nutritious food, can be expensive. Monthly expenses such as rent, a heating or phone bill are fixed costs, and so is an income; when things don’t add up, the grocery budget is often the only part of a household budget that is flexible. As one participant at a local produce distribution observed, “When you only have a certain amount of money to work with, you have to choose bare necessity foods, and enough to make it until you have more money.”

Another big barrier to food access is stigma. Often, Vermont Foodbank staff hear “I don’t want to take from others who need it more,” when folks don’t tap into food resources. While well intentioned, this sentiment can keep people from accessing food and resources that they need and deserve.

One such resource is 3SquaresVT. 3SquaresVT helps neighbors access food, which helps the whole community. Receiving benefits like 3SquaresVT does not take away from anyone else because we all pay into these programs so that everyone has earned access to these benefits when needed. And when buying groceries with 3SquaresVT benefits, it brings millions of federal dollars into the local economy helping farms and businesses every month!

Being enrolled in 3SquaresVT offers access to many other programs and supports like heating and energy assistance and reduced or no-cost fees on memberships like Thrive Market, Amazon, or museum entry. Similarly, food shelves across the country are working hard to make their facilities more accessible and welcoming. Many food shelves are now set up to shop like you would in a grocery store with a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for neighbors needing additional food resources.

What Can I do if I Need Help with Food?

If you are looking for ways to stretch your food budget, there are many options:

• Vermont Foodbank provides a map of food access locations that can be searched by town or zip code. This tool allows you to search through a list of options to see which location best fits your needs and comfort. It can be found on the Foodbank website
• For a variety of resources, try Vermont 211 or vermont211.org. Search for a variety of local resources to fit your needs, ranging from transit and employment resources to food and housing. By taking a wholistic approach to assistance, saving money in one category might mean freeing up more money for food.

If you’re looking for ways to give help, there are also many options. One of the best ways to support your community is through donating to a local food shelf. Donations can be monetary or food donations, or by volunteering your time. Many local food access locations (see link above) are looking for volunteers, and giving time is a great way to help out neighbors, meet new people, and get connected to your community.

The most important thing to remember is that we are in this together. Vermonters are no strangers to rocky terrain, but when we come together to support each other, we always manage to grow something beautiful and nourishing. If you are one of the many people having difficulties paying for food, do not hesitate to reach out for help, and if you are one of the folks in a position to help, don’t forget to check in on your neighbors. When we collaborate, we build a stronger community for us all.