Food bank urges $1.5 million to buy local produce for Vermonters in need

John Sales, chief executive officer of the Vermont Food Bank, told the committee that the food bank can spend an additional $1.5 million this fiscal year to expand local purchases through the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters grant program administered by the Agency of Agriculture. Sales said $500,000 appropriated in FY26 funded large-scale direct purchases from 17 farms and was spent between July 1 and Oct. 6, and that additional funding would support 200–300 Vermont farms and help food shelves and partner programs across the state.

Why it matters: Testimony linked food-security and farm viability. Susan Drew, a food-pantry manager, described heavy local demand (about 500 visits per month) and said fresh local produce draws higher consumption and better nutrition for pantry clients.

What was requested: Full funding of the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program with an additional $1,500,000 in FY26 BAA funding to enable more purchases from Vermont farms and expand partner grants for culturally responsive foods.

What’s next: The committee recorded testimony and will review written comments and fiscal analyses before any budget adjustment is proposed.