Kim Gleason

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 role of the state government is to leverage federal benefits and fill the gaps when the federal government falls short, and to connect our economy and society to ensure safe access to healthy food for every Vermonter. This is a fundamental right and is critical to both the health and wellbeing of Vermonters and the sustainability of our farmers. I have delivered meals to our neighbors in Grand Isle County since 2020, and I have seen the challenges of food insecurity, especially in our elderly population. We can and must do better for Vermonters at all ages and stages, supporting our communities and our farmers.

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

During my time on the Essex Westford School Board, I had the privilege of seeing Universal School Meals transform the stigma of hunger into opportunities for learning, growth, and stronger community connections. Schools have become essential sources of healthy meals for students and families and should be supported by funding from the State in that role. Partnering with local farmers and teaching students about the food they eat provides lifelong benefits.

I would also seek new ways to strengthen connections across Vermont's food system. During a recent maple tour with Secretary Tebbetts and other leaders, I learned how preserving knowledge, supporting innovation, and engaging students are critical to the future of Vermont's iconic maple industry. Strengthening partnerships with Career and Technical Education programs can help prepare the next generation to sustain these traditions and meet future workforce needs.

I look forward to expanding connections between local food producers and local communities through strategic public investment that builds sustainable infrastructure and helps eliminate hunger in Vermont.

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

The affordability crisis is at the root of hunger and affects every Vermonter through rising grocery bills, gas prices, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and property taxes. These challenges are interconnected, and too many families are forced to choose between food and paying their next bill. Lower-income households are hit hardest, spending a larger share of their income on food and having less access to nutritional foods and less for other essentials.

We can reduce housing costs by expanding housing at all levels, streamlining development where infrastructure already exists, investing strategically, and protecting the farms, lakes, and natural resources that define Vermont. Farmers, builders, and communities should work together to achieve these goals.

I also support universal primary care because preventive care improves health outcomes while lowering costs. Combined with strong support for food security programs, these investments will help ensure no Vermonter has to choose between their next meal and their next bill. I will work across systems and across the aisle to deliver practical, affordable solutions that strengthen our communities.

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?

Vermont must lean into our values as we build the infrastructure that strengthens our working lands and supports a thriving agricultural economy. A key campaign and legislative priority for me is connecting with farmers and agricultural workers across our Senate District to understand their challenges and hear their perspectives. Grand Isle County and Colchester have deep roots of multigenerational farmers, and these partnerships are essential.

We must expand workforce housing so farms and small businesses can attract and retain employees. By focusing growth where development already exists and investing in needed infrastructure, we can increase housing while protecting the farmland, lakes, and wildlife that define Vermont.

We also need to examine how our property tax system affects working farms. Vermont's farms and small businesses are the backbone of our communities. We should create policies that reflect our values, strengthen local economies, connect systems of support, and ensure agriculture remains a sustainable and vital part of Vermont's future.