Vermont experienced catastrophic floods in July and December 2023 that damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the state. In 2024, the state experienced flooding again. Here’s how recent flooding events have impacted two neighbors in northern Vermont.
The Flooding
“I am disabled and neurodivergent and I live in an RV…I live in a town of less than 1,000 people,” shared Gardenia, in a conversation with Vermont Foodbank after flooding in summer 2024. Gardenia and Avery live in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont, on a property with gardens and animals. The NEK is a very rural part of Vermont. Many places in the NEK have repeatedly flooded in 2023 and 2024. Gardenia and Avery’s home, property, and road were severely damaged by flooding.
“When the floods hit last summer, the rains backed up into our roof and down the walls. It almost started an electrical fire. That, in combination with issues we were already having with the home, made it unsafe to live in. We had to transition to living in an RV…we got hit with floods all December, and again this year. It hasn’t stopped for us,” shared Avery.
“This summer, our road got so annihilated that it disconnected from the main road,” Gardenia elaborated. “There were periods of time I didn’t have access to food. I had to reach out and someone had to come by ATV to deliver food. I live so rurally that there are no reliable delivery services. Our road is still damaged and disconnecting more and more with every rain.”
The flooding made it hard for Gardenia and Avery to obtain enough food in more than one way. Not only did flooding impact their ability to drive to get food, but it also ruined a lot of food that they grow and store on their property.
“I had seeds that I started plants with, and I got as starts from the farmer’s market. A lot of my growing spaces flooded, and I had root rot that killed the crops that I was trying to save for winter and the herbal, medicinal plants that I make medicine out of. We also have animals we care for on our land, and our side garage flooded so some of our hay got wet and molded,” detailed Gardenia.
“I live in an RV and don’t have much space to store surplus food. The place where I do store the food got wet. When rice gets wet, you can’t bring it back. We also lost power and our refrigerated food went bad.”
Concerns About Disaster Response
“I am concerned about the future…I anticipate continued climate collapse. I know it’s going to get worse,” Gardenia shared “Support systems…have over-promised and under-delivered. I feel disillusioned from spending so much energy trying to get help. I feel left behind.”
Avery also expressed their view on how disaster response systems have fallen short. “People who are impacted need to have the right to decide where and how the funds are best used in their lives. People are literally still living in a state of emergency. And for most of us, we’ve done all the work, we filled out all the forms, we made all the calls, we’ve answered all the questions and still nothing has happened.”
Gardenia shared a vision for how emergency response systems could improve: “I would like to see more people in power who truly listen to those in crisis and who truly respond to the needs that they, as the one in need, name. Support is only support if the person asking for it receives what they asked for. I get to name what support is. When someone else, like a flood organization, gets to define what help is, it is not actually help.”
A Tribute to Community
While the past year and a half has been challenging, both Avery and Gardenia spoke to the power of community and grassroots flood response. “We go to NEKCA [community action organization] for food…the library and community garden have been a great support,” they explained.
“I really appreciate the Foodbank,” Gardenia added. “I really appreciate that I can call y’all when my SNAP benefits get randomly canceled and that you can [help me reapply] and help me get closer to autonomous food access. As a neurodivergent person, I’m not good with forms, and I’ve called [the Foodbank] multiple times over the years to have someone help me apply.”
Gardenia left us with a final sentiment describing the complex reality of support systems and the importance of community. “I have had neighbors check in on me and I have been grateful for that. I think not enough people check in on disabled people. More grassroots support is going to be necessary going forward in times of climate collapse…I think that strong community networks can be a lifeline. Food pantries are also a lifeline, but, for a while I couldn’t get out to access them.”
Vermont Foodbank believes that everyone should have equitable access to enough nourishing food every day. If there’s one thing that’s come to light during the challenges of the past two summers of flooding, and the past four years of pandemic response, it’s that we’re strongest together. If you find yourself in need of help accessing food for yourself, your family, or your neighbors, please contact us at 855-855-6181 or visit our website to learn about food resources. If you’re in a position to help, you can explore ways to get involved—such as advocating, volunteering, donating, or sharing your story like Gardenia and Avery. Together, we can create a Vermont where everyone has what they need to thrive.
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