Aiden Otterman

What do you believe is the role of state government, if any, in ensuring that everyone living in Vermont has the food they need to thrive?

I believe the state has a duty to ensure every person has access to food. We ought to be provide food where it's lacking, and do our best to expand food accessibility across our rural state.

What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?

I want to bring more local, farm food to our tables. I will fight to revitalize our farming traditions, and make sure our children have access to free, nutritious foods at school.

What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?

I think the root cause of hunger is the food deserts across our state, and the fact that no Vermonters can afford groceries. We need to ensure large businesses don’t waste edible food they aren’t willing to sell, prevent food deserts by stimulating small food businesses as well as ensure SNAP/similar programs are well funded.

How would you help strengthen the state’s agriculture and food economy to ensure Vermont farms can continue to grow the food we all need?

I believe subsidies for struggling farms, and promoting younger people to get into the business with these subsidies/incentives, could bring back the farming industry we once had. I also support right to repair laws. We need to listen to what these producers need, and act on it quickly before we have a crisis on our hands.