As the pandemic-related food relief programs wind down, the threat of food insecurity continues to loom over our region, exacerbated by increasing inflation and food costs. In Vermont and New Hampshire, the statistics are stark: 1 in 11 and 1 in 14 people currently face food insecurity, respectively, with these numbers projected to rise even further in the near future.
Food insecurity, as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services, goes beyond mere hunger; it encompasses limited or uncertain access to adequate food and encompasses broader ramifications on health, education, learning, and economic stability in our communities. Yet, this is a challenge that we can tackle together.
Let’s delve into the common issue of food insecurity that deeply resonates with us, and explore the collaborative efforts with local organizations to combat this issue and enhance access to nutritious food.
Local Causes of Food Insecurity in New Hampshire and Vermont
Food insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire mirrors national trends but also stems from unique factors specific to our New England region. These contributing factors are often interconnected, making it intricate to address them in isolation.
Some of the local issues that underpin food security challenges include:
- Gaps in Assistance: Public assistance programs frequently fall short in covering all food-related needs, especially given our region’s high cost of living which dilutes the impact of benefits for qualifying families.
- Lack of Access to Food: The absence of reliable public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly low-income families. Residents residing in areas lacking easy access to healthy food often rely on private vehicles, posing an added burden for low-income households.
- Health Issues and Disabilities: Households with members not in the labor force due to disability and older adults on fixed incomes face significant challenges in accessing nutritious foods, compounded by health, mobility issues, and transportation constraints.
At Union Bank, we acknowledge the pervasive nature of food insecurity across all communities, highlighting our commitment to partnering with various local organizations to alleviate its impact and bolster residents’ access to fresh, healthy food. Here are some non-profit organizations we collaborate with to address food insecurity in our region:
Union Bank’s Contributions to Combatting Food Insecurity
Lamoille Community Food Share:
Lamoille Community Food Share serves as a volunteer-driven organization working towards ensuring food security for everyone in and around Lamoille County, Vermont. The pantry, located at 197 Harrel Street in Morrisville, distributes an average of 36,000 pounds of food each month and sees around 800 visits.
Salvation Farms:
Salvation Farms plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Vermont’s surplus agricultural produce and those in need. They distribute locally-grown surplus food to various community-based food access programs, serving approximately 10,000 to 12,000 individuals.
Meals on Wheels and Lamoille Elders Networking Services:
LENS delivers around 190 meals daily to elders in Lamoille County, offering essential services beyond meal deliveries. With over 40,000 meals served annually, LENS continues to be a linchpin for elders in the community.
In the collective effort to combat food insecurity, we invite community members to join us in this cause. As we witness the conclusion of many pandemic-era relief programs, the support for local organizations becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding our residents from the adverse effects of food insecurity.
At Union Bank, our longstanding commitment to community welfare has seen us partner with numerous charitable organizations across Vermont and Northern New Hampshire. To learn more about how you can contribute to the fight against food insecurity, visit any of our 19 branches and be part of the solution.
