John O’Brien
Democratic Candidate for Vermont House of Representatives in the Orange-Windsor-1 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?
Helping the Vermont Food Security Coalition connect with federal and state financial resources, as well as advocating for local farming and food policies (like Universal School Meals and the local purchasing program).
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
If re-elected, I would continue to advocate for full food security. As a State Rep on House Ag, I have consistently fought for food security, voting for Universal School Meals, Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus, Farm Share, funding for the Vermont Food Bank and Vermonters Feeding Vermonters.
What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?
As the top 5% of Americans continue to consolidate wealth, the lower 50% are finding it harder to make ends meet. Without a safety net, one medical emergency, a dead car, or an eviction can mean that there’s not enough money to eat that night, that week, that month. State Government should continue to support the Vermont Food Security Coalition’s goals as well as work towards a New England Feeds New England model of sustainability.
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?
For all of my four terms in the General Assembly, I’ve served on the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. Farming, food systems and the forest economy are my passions.