Michelle Trayah and Christine Porcaro are co-chairs of the Hunger Council of Franklin & Grand Isle Counties. Hunger Free Vermont organizes 10 regional Hunger Councils: coalitions of community members and local organizations who care about ending hunger in our communities. Each Hunger Council is chaired by a team of local leaders and supported by Hunger Free Vermont staff.
In the picturesque landscapes of Vermont, where rolling hills and quaint communities define the scenery, a quiet crisis exists. In Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, the specter of food insecurity looms large, casting a shadow over the idyllic charm that often masks the harsh realities faced by so many of our neighbors.
Local food shelves are witnessing unprecedented visitation numbers. Many families, older adults and individuals are visiting food shelves for the first time. People in our counties are grappling with the harsh reality of the rising cost of living, coupled with the lingering impact of the end of pandemic-era support programs. These challenges have left many facing the difficult choice between a warm meal and meeting other basic needs. This is unacceptable. No one should have to choose between paying the electric bill or buying groceries.
As winter continues, the anxiety among community members intensifies. Stories of individuals worried about paying for heat, gas and other essentials are becoming all too common. Our neighbors are not just battling the cold; they are fighting sticker shock at the grocery store, increased heating costs and a housing crisis.
This holiday season, as we gather around festive tables with our loved ones, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the need for assistance extends far beyond the realm of holiday meals. The stark reality is that hunger knows no season. While our generosity tends to peak during the holidays, hunger persists year-round.
In response to this pressing issue, it is imperative that we extend our support beyond the traditional holiday spirit. Food shelves in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties are in dire need of our collective support. Whether it’s through donating non-perishable goods, contributing financially or volunteering time, every effort counts.
Let us challenge the notion that community support and charitable action are reserved for the holiday season alone. Caring for our communities should be a perennial commitment, a pact to stand united with our neighbors in times of need. Franklin and Grand Isle Counties deserve resilient, thriving communities where we all have what we need to thrive.
This is a call to action — a call to recognize that food insecurity and hunger persist long after the holiday lights dim. Let us build a tradition of compassion that transcends the calendar, ensuring that our neighbors receive the nourishment they need, not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.
Let our communities be known not only for their scenic beauty but also for the compassion that binds us together, ensuring that none of us are forced to make impossible choices between our basic needs. To learn more about how to support our communities, consider joining the Hunger Council of Franklin & Grand Isle Counties.
