Suzanne Kenyon

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 that it is our job to closely watch how the Big Beautiful Bill is affecting Vermonters, especially those who have lost their EBT benefits, and act accordingly.

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

I would support [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] and other legislation aimed at food security for all.

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

Increased costs, across the board, are the root causes for hunger in VT, in my opinion. Increased healthcare costs, insurances, utilities, fuel and groceries. We need to continue to push back on the federal government and the executive orders of the President.

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 would support work visas and initiatives that help farmers stay in operation.