Deb Mayfield
Republican Candidate for Vermont House of Representatives in the Chittenden-6 District
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?
State government should ensure basic food security for Vermonters who need it, but efficiently and in partnership with communities and nonprofits. Local food banks, farmer networks and community organizations can solve real problems. The Government should be there to support these partnerships, not replace them. When local farms thrive they provide local food access and economic stability. We need to have policies that promote local farms who support local communities.
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
Food security and farm viability are connected. My priorities would focus on what actually works: supporting our farmers so they can feed us locally, ensuring existing programs like 3SquaresVT reach people who need them, and partnering with nonprofits and communities doing this work.
Before creating new programs, we should ask: are current programs efficient? Are we reaching people who need help? Are we supporting farmers to stay viable? Local food systems—farm shares, direct sales, community partnerships—are proven solutions that don't require massive new spending.
As a business owner, I believe in pragmatic solutions that actually work within our means.
What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?
Hunger reflects broader economic stress. When housing, healthcare, and childcare consume most of a family's income, food becomes the sacrifice.
The state should focus on what creates economic stability: supporting business growth so jobs pay better wages, reducing regulatory barriers that increase costs, and addressing housing affordability through smart zoning and development—not just subsidies.
We also need to ensure existing social programs work efficiently.
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?
Regulatory burden strangles small farms. We should review regulations that don't meaningfully protect anything but create compliance costs.
As a business owner, I know farms need economic viability first. That means supporting farmers' ability to compete and earn, not just subsidizing them. Strong farms help build strong communities and food security.