If you want to help with local food distribution, do so. However, if you choose to give non-perishable items be aware that there is more work for the distributors who must sort and check expiration dates.

The distributors say monetary donations allow them to purchase needed food in bulk, which not only makes the best food choices available, but also cuts the cost of food considerably.

While the Administration tries to make political points – at the expense of people going hungry – we are working to make sure people are fed.

SNAP reaches populations in need: Between 95 and 100% of eligible individuals participated in SNAP in Vermont in pre-pandemic 2020.

SNAP lifted 14,000 people above the poverty line in Vermont, including 5,000 children, per year between 2015 and 2019, on average. (These figures adjust for households’ underreporting of benefits.)

Both New Hampshire and Vermont are seeking ways to alleviate the impact.

In New Hampshire Governor Ayotte advocated and plans to implement mobile food distribution. However, many people receiving SNAP benefits don’t have means to access these food distribution sites.

Vermont Foodbank will distribute to food shelf partners, but recognizing the impediment for many in gaining access to food shelves, last week the State’s emergency board decided to fund the first half of November SNAP (3SquaresVT) benefits for currently participating households