Food Access and Security During Coronavirus: A Vermont Study
Meredith T. Niles, Farryl Bertmann, Emily H. Morgan, Thomas R. Wentworth, Erin Biehl, Roni Neff
Abstract
Key Findings 1. Respondents reported a 33% increase in food insecurity since the coronavirus outbreak began in Vermont (from 18% to 24%). 2. 45% of respondents with jobs experienced a job disruption or loss. 3. Respondents said the most helpful actions for meeting their food needs would be increased trust in the safety of going to stores and more food in stores. 4. Respondents worried most about food becoming unaffordable and running out of food if they were unable to go out. 5. Vermonters are using a variety of strategies to adapt: a majority of respondents are at least somewhat likely to buy foods that don't go bad quickly (90%); buy different, cheaper foods (69%); and stretch the food they have by eating less (52%).