As many pandemic-related food relief programs end, Increased SNAP benefits and free school lunch-Similarly Inflation and rising food costs, the risk of food insecurity is increasing for residents across our region.Across vermont state and new hampshireFigures show that 1 in 11 and 1 in 14 people currently face food insecurity, respectively. expected to climb It will get even further away in the coming months.
food insecurity, defined Hunger is not just a problem, what the Department of Health and Human Services describes as “household-level economic and social circumstances in which access to adequate food is limited or uncertain.” Food insecurity can have a significant impact on community health, education, learning, and even economic stability. It is also something we can all work together to eliminate. In this post, we will discuss this common issue that is near and dear to our hearts, and how we can work with local organizations to combat this issue and increase access to high-quality, healthy food (and how you can I wanted to take some time to talk about it! .
Regional causes of food insecurity in New Hampshire and Vermont
The causes of food insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire both follow national trends, but there are some underlying causes that are unique to the New England region. These causes are often interrelated, making them difficult to address individually. Regional issues affecting food security include:
- Support gap: Especially in our region, public assistance often does not cover all food-related needs.As you can see This map is provided by Urban Research Institutethe difference between the benefits received and the actual cost of meals can vary from 10 to 50 percent. all counties in New Hampshire and Vermont. In other words, our region’s high cost of living (Approximately 16% higher than the national average) reduces the impact of these benefits on eligible families.
- Lack of access to food: According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, the lack of public transportation could lead to: pointing out, “disproportionally impacts certain populations,” including low-income households. Without public transportation, residents living in areas without easy access to healthy food rely on personal vehicles, placing an additional burden on low-income households.in almost every county new hampshire Large swathes of the state, particularly northwestern New Hampshire, are home to low-income and inaccessible areas, where lack of access to a vehicle is a significant challenge. In Vermont, Over 30,000 Residents live in a food desert.
- Health problems and disorders: almost 20% of households Food security was very low for members who were not in the labor force due to disability. Additionally, many older adults, who often live on fixed incomes limited to social security benefits, have difficulty accessing healthy foods due to health and mobility issues and lack of transportation. There is a possibility.almost In Vermont, 10% of adults age 60 and older They are considered “slightly food insecure.”
Union Bank’s contribution to the fight against food insecurity
At Union Bank, we recognize that food insecurity exists and impacts every community, and we work with many community organizations to reduce the impact of food insecurity and increase food access for our residents. My top priority is to work with you one-on-one. fresh and healthy food. Here are just a few of the nonprofit organizations fighting food insecurity in our region.
Lamoille Community Food Share
Lamoille Community Food Share is a nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to ensuring food security for people in and around Lamoille County, Vermont. The Food Share Pantry, located at 197 Harrell Street in Morrisville, 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 are unable to visit themselves.
Their food pantry averages about 800 visitors and they distribute more than 36,000 pounds of food each month. Although pantry visits have decreased during the pandemic, pantry visits continue to increase each week and are currently at approximately 84% of pre-pandemic levels. Lamoille Community Food Share writes: We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our community, including our partners like Union Bank. ”
salvation farms
mission of salvation farms It’s about bridging the gap between Vermont’s abundant agricultural surplus and those who need it most: young, old, sick, incarcerated, and facing food insecurity. . At Salvation Farms, we believe in leading by example and work tirelessly to improve our food system and make Vermont a national leader. Our motto is “Don’t waste what you can eat!”
Salvation Farms serves more than 10,000 to 12,000 people by providing locally grown surplus food to more than 50 different community-based food access programs in northeastern Vermont. In 2022, Salvation Farms collected more than 82,000 pounds of locally grown surplus produce (approximately 250,000 servings) from local farms and distributed 3,700 plants, 1,370 pounds of cheese, 37 loaves of bread, and 1,290 dozen eggs. Salvation Farms, which collected surplus food from local farms in 2022, was supported by 183 volunteers who contributed a total of 746 hours. Salvation Farms also produces lightly processed frozen foods from locally grown surplus crops, which extend shelf life and improve access to the region’s abundant produce.
With support from Salvation Farms, Vermont’s agricultural surplus can overcome barriers such as supply chain issues, lack of infrastructure, labor issues, and market economies to reach people in need. they wrote: “Salvation Farms is deeply grateful for the support we have received from Union Bank over the years and considers (Union Bank) to be an important community partner.”
Meals on Wheels and Lamoille Elderly Networking Services
Lamoille Elders Networking Services (LENS) began its journey in 1991 with the support of a three-year federal grant through Project Care. In 1993, it became a private nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and fund new services for seniors and connect seniors with community volunteers. Thanks to various grants, donations and support, LENS was able to upgrade its kitchen space and equipment, including replacing chest freezers with walk-in coolers and freezers. Today, LENS serves more than 40,000 meals a year and continues to be an important organization to the elders of Lamoille.
LENS delivers an average of 190 meals a day throughout Lamoille County five days a week and provides frozen meals on weekends. LENS has over 60 volunteers and 45 volunteer drivers delivering meals each week. Meals on Wheels recipients in Lamoille County rely on Meals on Wheels for more than just meals. Meals on Wheels visits include a health screening, provide pet food and food share bags, and connect recipients with other local services. As LENS writes, “Union Bank has been a valued community partner for more than 20 years.”
Community members interested in volunteering should know that volunteers are needed now more than ever. To become a volunteer, deliver meals, help at a meal venue, or become a board member, please 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 Vermont and New Hampshire communities. As many pandemic-era relief programs near their end, it is more important than ever to support the community organizations that have played a critical role in protecting residents from the worst consequences of food insecurity.
At Union Bank, we’ve been part of the community since 1891 and have partnered with dozens of banks. charity organization Lamoille, Caledonia, Franklin, Washington and Chittenden counties and throughout northern New Hampshire. We understand that being a community bank means more than just providing financial services. It means doing our part to support and improve the communities we serve.
Stop by one of our 19 restaurants branch Learn more about how you can help fight food insecurity in our community.
