A new survey reported by CNN on 3/12/26 reveals that many Americans are skipping meals to pay for rising health care costs: “Roughly one-third of respondents – equivalent to more than 82 million Americans – said they have had to cut back on at least one daily living expense to cover their health care bills, according to the survey of nearly 20,000 adults.” The headline states that “skipping meals and cutting back on utilities” are strategies millions of Americans are using.
This staggering statement reflects what we already know: people move in and out of being food secure. Roughly 10% of people in Vermont utilize 3SquaresVT (SNAP). Yet, A 2022 UVM study found that two in five people in Vermont (yes, 40% of us) had experienced food insecurity at some point in the preceding 12 months.
In other words, a quarter of a million people in the Green Mountain State struggle to afford enough food at some point in a year. For many people, these are temporary challenges resulting from events like illness, stints of unemployment, or natural disasters. And for an increasing number of us, skyrocketing health insurance costs and medical bills are resulting in food insecurity.
Unfortunately, skipping meals and turning the heat down are too often the only remaining ways to cut costs to pay the bills.
We want all our neighbors to hear this: rather than skipping meals, please visit your local food shelf and/or join a community meal. Everyone deserves to eat. Food assistance is there for all of us.
Sometimes we need help. Other times, we are in a position to give help. If you have extra to spare, you can support Vermont Foodbank and its statewide network of food shelves and meal sites by making a gift.
For Bethel Area Food Shelf, a local partnership that redirects fresh groceries to neighbors facing hunger has helped address rising community need. Now, they’re thinking creatively toward long-term food security.
Eight food access partners recently met to discuss their growth over the past year. This cohort has collaborated, shared learnings, and invested in their organizations’ capacity through a Vermont Foodbank grant made possible by your support.
Having been on the receiving end of help himself over the years, Michael, the cook at Mustard Seed in St. Johnsbury is giving back by making sure his neighbors have a nourishing meal and a warm place to chat.
