“This recognition belongs to the volunteers, partners, advocates, donors, and neighbors who advocate with us,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “Policy change can only come about when many people raise their voices, share concerns and experiences, and tell their elected officials what they need.”

People in Vermont are doing that by calling, emailing and sending letters to their representatives; by voting for candidates that will support policy choices leading to improved food security; and by sharing testimony directly to lawmakers.

Ending hunger requires engaging with federal, state, and local elected officials; mobilizing grassroots supporters; utilizing media; building coalitions; and elevating the voices of neighbors facing hunger. These are the factors Feeding America looks at in recognizing members of its network that demonstrate a strong, year-round commitment to advocacy.

What do advocates do?

Engaging in self-advocacy is commonplace – advocacy simply means speaking up for something you need. Public advocacy is an effort to change laws or practices to address the root cause of an issue.

“Folks get involved by reading our email updates, which include opportunities to take action. We also provide trainings in the statehouse two or three times per year – where we give a tour of the building and training on how to talk to your representatives,” says Carrie Stahler, Senior Manager of Government and Public Affairs at Vermont Foodbank. “These are open to everyone. The most important thing to know is that the statehouse is the People’s House – it belongs to all of us.”

In 2026, 29 Foodbank-trained advocates (not including Foodbank staff) delivered testimony on their personal experience with food insecurity to the state legislature. Many more contacted their representatives; and ideally, everyone in Vermont who is eligible to vote will do so on November 3.

Recent policy wins fueled by this collective effort include:

• In 2026, H.935 passed, establishing a Ready Response Grant Program. When funding for this program is made available by the state, Vermont Foodbank can equip itself to respond to disasters such as floods and storms by providing food, water, and information during days 3-7 following an event.
• Act 104 was amended to increase engagement and communication between the Department for Children and Families and key stakeholders—including community organizations and SNAP-authorized retailers—when there are mandatory or optional proposed changes to the 3SquaresVT/SNAP program.
• In 2025, H.167 (also known as Act 34 of 2025) passed, establishing the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant program under the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Become an Advocate – Help Solve Hunger

Vermont’s next legislative session begins January 6, 2027 and the Vermont Foodbank team, along with Vermont’s Food Security Coalition, is lining up priorities for the year. We look forward to continuing this work and invite you to join us by signing up for email updates with opportunities to get involved. We typically send one email per month. We do not rent or sell our email list to anyone.

There is no obligation or minimum commitment to being an advocate. You can take action when you are able and inspired to do so. Let us provide low-barrier ways to plug in and you can join in at your own pace. Sign up for Vermont Foodbank email Advocacy Alerts.