One in five Vermont children are living in homes without adequate food. Many Vermonters find this number surprising. To increase awareness and develop sustainable solutions, Hunger Free Vermont has evolved into Vermont's principal anti-hunger authority and leading nutrition policy advocate. We were the primary force behind Act 22, a law that substantially increased access to school meal programs such that 96% of Vermont schools now provide school lunch. Hunger Free Vermont also worked to develop and pass H.333 in 2008, making Vermont the 4th state in the U.S. to provide free school breakfast to all low-income students.

Marissa Parisi, Hunger Free Vermont Executive Director, Senator Patrick Leahy, Sarah Robinson, and Angela Smith-Dieng, 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager, in Washington, DC

Each year, we provide policy makers at the state and national level and partner organizations with information on the state of hunger in Vermont and recommendations for strengthening the nutrition assistance programs that help prevent hunger.

Here are a few examples of our regular education and advocacy efforts:

• Hunger Awareness Day: In coordination with area partners, Hunger Free Vermont organizes and implements an annual
  Hunger Awareness Day and legislative trainings at the state capitol. During this event, we encourage legislators to improve programs that feed vulnerable Vermonters, especially children and elders.
• Electronic Updates: We send a monthly electronic newsletter with information on trainings, legislative issues, hunger, and nutrition programs to approximately 1,500 Vermonters, including service providers, advocates, members of the faith community, educators, and health professionals. To view samples or to sign up for free E-Updates now, please visit our Newsletters page.
• Interagency Council on Hunger: Our Program Director, Dorigen Keeney, is a member of the Council, which is made up on members of state government, non-profits, and community members and is working statewide to reduce hunger in Vermont.
• Regional Hunger Councils: In partnership with Northfield Savings Bank, Hunger Free Vermont has developed the innovative model of regional hunger councils made up of area leaders and service providers who meet regularly to learn about local hunger and existing resources, identify opportunities for improvement, and strategize about local solutions. Since 2006, Hunger Free Vermont has convened Councils in Washington and Chittenden Counties, which have successfully increased the meals available in school and child care settings and meals at home for vulnerable populations. This past spring, the Councils jointly hosted the gubernatorial candidates for an educational forum on hunger.

For more information please contact our Program Director, Dorigen Keeney, MS, RD at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .