Vermont Foodbank staff and volunteers were at the State House January 29, 2014 for Hunger Awareness Day. Congress was also votihunger exists hereng on The Farm Bill, which includes over $8 billion in cuts to SNAP.  Vermont will be hit the hardest with this bill, and the Vermont Foodbank wanted to reiterate that hunger still exists here in our own state.  In 2012 the Vermont Foodbank distributed more than 8 million pounds of food and served over 88,000 Vermonters.  “

The Foodbank and our network of 270 food shelves and meal sites already struggle to meet the demand for emergency food,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO. “ A yes vote on the Farm Bill today will push more Vermont households into poverty, with diminished hope for a better tomorrow.”

At the State House, Rep. Michael Mrowicki from Putney, introduced Hunger Awareness Day and recognized the Vermont Foodbank staff present. We had several visitors at our table that day, including legislators and volunteers wanting to learn more about hunger in their own counties.

“Hunger Awareness Day at the State House is a great way for the Foodbank to talk with our legislators about the pervasiveness of hunger in Vermont,” said Judy Stermer, Vermont Foodbank Director of Communications and Public Affairs, “Vermont has the power and opportunity to ensure that all of its neighbors are fed well. The legislators play a key role in ensuring no one in Vermont goes hungry.”

In case you missed our introduction from Rep. Michael Mrowicki, check out the video:

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