TOWN OF BARRE, VT – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) met with local leaders to discuss efforts to address the hunger crisis in Vermont, and toured a site of a summer meal program that provides nutritious meals to all children, at no cost to families. Summer meal sites are an especially critical resource for families in communities across the state that are recovering from catastrophic flooding. 

“Vermont is in the midst of a hunger crisis, and last week’s floods created new challenges for folks struggling with hunger. Folks I met this week in the Town of Barre are rising to the occasion to help neighbors experiencing hardships from the flood and supporting those in-need in their communities, including expanding summer meal programs to provide more free meals for children. This meal program is a lifeline for Vermonters, and I’ll continue to fight to deliver federal dollars to ensure everyone can continue to access these crucial services,” said Senator Welch. 

During the summer, 80,000 kids and teens in Vermont lose access to the free breakfast and lunch they receive every day of the school year. This year, 175+ locations across Vermont—more than ever before—are offering free summer meal programs. Learn more about how summer meal sites work to combat hunger in Vermont here. 

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