Rob Meehan, Director of Feeding Champlain Valley (FCV) gave us on overview of his organization on April 23rd - 4 pantries (Burlington, Middlebury, St Albans and Richford) that serves 12-15,000 people each year and moved 2.25 million pounds of food in 2025. That's 1125 tons of FOOD. Whoa!!
FCV has come up with some innovative ideas to reach more clients, especially those who stay hidden due to the stigma of needing food, including food trucks, food lockers, an online market for Head Start patrons, and access to those who checked yes that they had food security while visiting doctors offices. Unofficial food insecurity levels in Vermont, including those who don't report, was estimated by Rob to be 40% (2 of every 5 people), with the highest levels seen in rural areas. 10% is the official level of those in poverty in VT with many, many working families facing food insecurity - much more than years in the past, with the underlying issue being lack of money and growing unemployment for a 2 person working household.
Last, Rob mention the Vermont's 2035 Food Security Road Map. It's an interesting read.
To see and hear Rob's presentation to our club, visit: https://youtu.be/MqRYvFHygO0
To get more information about or donate to Feeding Champlain Valley, go to: https://www.feedingchamplainvalley.org/
To read about the 2035 Food Security Road Map, the link is: https://www.vtfarmtoplate.com/resources/vermont-food-security-roadmap-2035