Due to numerous factors, grocery stores and overall food prices have risen in the past few years and it’s becoming a struggle for people to put food on the table for their families.
According to the Vermont FoodBank, “about one in four Vermonters experience food insecurity”, which means they don’t always know when they will have food. In 2025, Vermont is shocked that the statistics are that high for those in hunger. And according to the Waterbury Common Market, “the demand at food shelves has increased more than 30% in the state.”
The struggle for families has been something Vermont FoodBank is working on. With budget cuts and lessened funding, food shelves have been closed, and less food has been dispersed, making the community more and more food insecure. The Vermont community praises itself for giving back and supporting people through tough times, but this is bigger than us.
Schools, grocery stores, farmers markets, and more run donation drives throughout the year, especially throughout holidays when the demand for food rises. The effort communities throughout Vermont have put in is astonishing and people throughout the state are very grateful.
“Our community has been in need more than ever,” a volunteer states. “Groceries are pricey, and everyone is working hard but still some struggle to make ends meet. We want everyone to have something on their table.”
Locals deeply care for their community and it shows through the several volunteers, donations, and visits for any/all Food Shelves in Vermont.
To support, the Waterbury Common Market has gotten fresh produce and local goods from the giving community.
“Its really about everyone helping each other,” said a community member. “We want to make Waterbury a place where people aren’t worried about when their next meal will be.”
Across the state, food shelves and the FoodBank have put in so much work to keep up with the state of food security. The closing of the Food Shelf in Holland, VT earlier this year showed how fragile communities can be when resources start to run low. Meanwhile, the Rutland Food Shelf is trying to expand its hours and services in case of a potential government shutdown that could delay benefits to community members.
The Common Market shows the power of community and connection and how far it can go, feeding 400-600 people each month. The teamwork from neighbors and the Food Shelf not only provides food but also spreads unity throughout Vermont. The system now may not be perfect but it has supported countless families in need. The hard work from neighbor to neighbor has shown the difference the kindness in a community can make, especially to care for others.
And as a whole, the community has and will only grow stronger.