Vermont Food Bank seeks $5 million in FY27, asks this committee to consider $2 million for network partners
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Summary
Carrie Sailor of the Vermont Food Bank told the committee it seeks $5 million in FY27—$2 million for network food shelves/meal sites, $2 million for Vermonters Feeding Vermonters (handled in House Agriculture) and $1 million for emergency/disaster response—citing 2025 distributions of about 14 million pounds of food, 217 network partners and monthly service to roughly 70,000 Vermonters.
Carrie Sailor, speaking for the Vermont Food Bank, asked the committee to consider a $5 million FY27 appropriation that would support three main priorities: $2 million for the Food Bank's network partners (food shelves and meal sites), $2 million to fully fund the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters grant program (a separate House Agriculture matter) and $1 million for emergency and disaster response ('Ready Response').
Sailor reviewed the Food Bank's 2025 activity, saying the organization distributed roughly 14 million pounds of food, works with about 217 network partners (food shelves, meal sites, schools, hospitals and shelters) and estimates serving about 70,000 people in an average month. She said food availability in the charitable system is variable—federal food via TEFAP, donations and purchased food—and that the share of purchased food has risen (Sailor cited about 25% purchased food in 2025) as donations declined and demand grew.
Sailor said purchased food is the tool that allows the network to provide fresh produce and meet dietary needs, and described contracting flexibility with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) during an emergency pause in SNAP benefits in November, when the state released $250,150 that was passed through rapidly to partners.
On jurisdiction and next steps, Sailor said the $2 million for Vermonters Feeding Vermonters lives in the House Agriculture, Food Resiliency and Forestry Committee and the $1 million Ready Response would work through Vermont Emergency Management; the $2 million network partner request historically flowed through DCF contracting. She told members that if the committee considered adding $2 million in its recommendation, it would need to find that funding in the FY27 budget.
Committee members asked for details about which line items and contracting mechanisms would be used; Sailor said she and colleagues have provided handouts and are available to explain grant‑making or food distribution approaches depending on DCF contracting rules. No formal vote was taken during the hearing.
