Raising Our Voices for Food Security in Washington, D.C.

Johanna Doren, NOFA-VT Local Food Access Director

May 20, 2026

At the end of April, NOFA-VT’s Local Food Access Director, Johanna Doren, traveled to Washington, D.C. with our Vermont Food Security Coalition partners for the annual Anti-Hunger Policy Conference.

Members of the Vermont Food Security Coalition gathered in DC for the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference. They are standing outside a Representative Becca Balint's office and are flanked by a US flag, a VT flag, and a pride flag

 

After a weekend spent learning from other states’ collaborative food security plans, creative responses to SNAP cuts, and approaches to centering community leadership in systems change work, Johanna joined fellow Coalition partners on Capitol Hill. Together, they met with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint to discuss the realities Vermonters are facing in the wake of H.R.1 changes to SNAP: rising costs of basic needs, ongoing challenges for small farmers, and the growing risk of hunger across our state.

 

Members of the Vermont Food Security Coalition are pictured with Senator Bernie Sanders in his D.C. office

 

We’re deeply grateful for their time, attention, and continued commitment to policies that support the well-being of Vermonters.

 

Members of the Vermont Food Security Coalition are pictured with Representative Becca Balint in her D.C. office

 

Experiences like these strengthen connections with food security advocates across the country and inspire new ideas for how we can continue building a more just, resilient food system here in Vermont.

 

Members of the Vermont Food Security Coalition are seen talking with Representative Becca Balint in her D.C. office