As Federal Food Aid Declines, Hunger Is Rising in Vermont – Here’s What We’re Doing to Help

As Federal Food Aid Declines, Hunger Is Rising in Vermont – Here’s What We’re Doing to Help

As federal funding for food assistance declines, community food shelves are facing growing pressure to fill the gaps. With the cost of everything from rent to groceries on the rise, food shelves across the state report a significant increase in the number of people coming through their doors. With the continuation of SNAP benefits beyond November now in question, food shelves – already struggling to meet demand – are bracing for even more.

SNAP Benefits at Risk Amid Federal Funding Crisis

As the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, nearly 42 million people nationwide rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for help putting food on the table. According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), 10% of Vermonters – over 66,000 people – relied on SNAP benefits in 2024. The program primarily serves families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities – the very people most at risk if benefits stop. In Vermont, 51% of SNAP recipients are families with children, and 53% are households that include older adults or people with disabilities.

On October 29, 2025, Vermont announced that it would allocate $6.2 million as a stopgap measure to continue providing SNAP benefits if the federal government withholds funding on November 1. While this provides temporary support, the funding will only extend until November 15 – what happens after that remains uncertain. The state also anticipates a seven-day delay in benefit distribution as it manages the transition. 

More demand for food aid + less federal support = a major challenge for our community.

What This Means Locally & Why the Co-op Is Acting

Here in Addison County, our local food shelves – HOPE and CVOEO – are already working overtime to fill the gap. But they can’t do it alone. Here’s what you can do to help:

• At checkout: Round up your change to support HOPE and CVOEO. To make a larger donation, simply tell your cashier. The Co-op will match every donation through November.

• Join this month’s Empty Bowl Auction and Raffle: This year, we’ve removed the match ceiling, meaning the Co-op will match every dollar of winning bids.

• Donate non-perishables during our November 15 Food Drive: The Middlebury Congregational Church will be at the Co-op from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., collecting items to help stock the food shelf at HOPE.

• Spread the word: Tell friends, family, and neighbors about both campaigns, and encourage them to contribute.

When the federal safety net weakens, community action becomes even more important. Your change can make a real difference.

Resources for Anyone Who Needs Help

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, housing stress, or other basic-needs challenges, here are local organizations ready to help. Click here to download a full resource list. 

• HOPE (Middlebury): Food shelf plus supports for clothing, prescriptions, and housing assistance.
  📞 802-388-3608 | 🌐 hope-vt.org

• CVOEO (Middlebury): Offers food, fuel, housing, and other emergency supports.
  📞 802-377-3741 | 🌐 cvoeo.org/addison-community-action

• Vermont 2-1-1: 24/7 line to connect with food, housing, utility, and mental health resources.
  📞 Dial 2-1-1 | 🌐 vermont211.org

Final Word

We’re living in a moment when more neighbors than ever need support, and the federal programs many have relied on are under strain and beginning to shrink. Your actions today help make sure no one is left behind. Thank you for helping our Co-op support those who need it most.