Jim Masland
Democratic Candidate for Vermont House of Representatives in the Windsor-Orange-2 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?
It is the responsibility of state government to foster an assure that no child is hungry and that all people and families have access to healthy and nutritious food and have the resources to put this food on the table 7 days a week.
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
I will need some time in office to truly understand the tapestry of possible options, but I have always been a strong advocate of school meals for All. I have consistently supported and voted for each of the programs you mention here. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee I have steadfastly supported efforts to bolster these efforts. I was in the Legislature when the Rozo farm to school / table was just getting its sea legs.
What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?
The root causes of hunger are multiple, at the base level that means not having adequate resources to purchase nutritious food. Not having such resources includes housing (not having a warm and safe place to live), lack of a good paying job, poor are lacking healthcare, poor education and/or training that makes earning a decent wage beyond reach, domestic abuse whether physical or emotional present makes all of the above much worse. And lack of transportation to get to work.
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 will consistently vote to fund efforts that support your goals. Beyond voting, I was a good friend or Rozo McLaughlin and I’ve known Jake Guest who helped start NOFA since middle school. The point being I admire their efforts and am determined to support and strengthen and multiply efforts such as theirs. I have also been a longtime supporter of food gleaning efforts and helped Willing Hands in the Upper Valley get off the ground.