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Students brief committee on Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program, citing benefits and funding shortfalls
Summary
University of Vermont students summarized the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program, reporting stable markets for some farmers and an estimated $3.8 million local economic contribution but noting logistical barriers and uncertain funding; they flagged several alternative funding and delivery models used in other states.
University of Vermont students told the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, & Forestry that the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program supports local farmers and food security but faces ongoing funding and logistical challenges.
Amanda Hudson, presenting for the student team, said the program — established in 2018 by the Vermont Food Bank — operates through three components: large‑scale wholesale purchasing, mini‑grants to local network partners and culturally responsive farm‑share CSAs. "One of the most consistent challenges has been limited and unstable funding," Amanda Hudson said, summarizing the students’ research and interviews.
The students said H.167 seeks permanent, ongoing appropriations from the Agency of Agriculture to sustain the program. They reported that the program has worked with about 299 participating farms, purchased some 104 types of crops and contributed an estimated…
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