Kyle Hansen

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?

The state government must do what it can to support the creation of a sustainable system where Vermont farms produce more than enough food to feed our communities, into the future.

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

I support a large scale farm-to-table initiative, encourage farmers' markets, support community level agriculture, and small farm grants. If our farms are supported and can thrive, so will our local economies and our residents. If our farms can produce more food, which is sold locally, more Vermonters will have access to quality food.

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

Poverty is the root cause of hunger. If people cannot afford to pay their bills and purchase food, they will go hungry. We must make Vermont more affordable for all people to live and thrive here - primarily through making housing more affordable for Vermonters. We also need to make healthcare more affordable, and increase the minimum wage.

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'd like to see more grants be allocated to small farms, community agriculture, and the creation of new farmer led cooperatives. By working together, our local farms can thrive and build a more sustainable rural economy. I'd also like to reform our inheritance and estate taxes so that farms can be passed to the next generation without a hefty, often unaffordable, tax burden.