Martine Larocque Gulick
Democratic Candidate for Vermont Senate in the Chittenden Central 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?
I believe government has many critical functions: to provide robust education, healthcare, safe infrastructure and strong, supportive social programs that support our most vulnerable people and populations. Part of robust social programing is providing food to those who either can't afford it or can't access it. We have passed some legislation that does just that, like Universal School Meals.
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
Yes, as a two-term Senator I have supported all of these initiatives and bills [examples provided to candidates: creating the Universal School Meals program to ensure all children in Vermont have access to breakfast and lunch every school day, making local foods more accessible through programs like Crop Cash, Farm Share, and Vermonters Feeding Vermonters, and establishing the Farm & Forestry Operations Security Special Fund], as well as a few others that have not yet made it through - like the restaurants program.
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 poverty stem from the social determinants of health, which can often translate to poverty and even generational poverty. Institutional racism, bias, and cruel federal policies all create scenarios that make it even harder for working Vermonters to make ends meet.
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?
Yes, absolutely. Universal School Meals is a policy that not only feeds kids but has the added benefit of supporting our farms and farmers.