Hunger in the U.S. is at its highest level since 1995. And according to a new USDA report, 12% of Vermont households struggle with hunger. The Vermont Foodbank estimates the number is probably even higher because of worsening economic conditions, and area foodshelves back that up. They say they're seeing higher and higher demand.

VPR's Steve Zind looks into why the issue of hunger is so persistent, and whether or not it's a problem that's ever solvable. His guests are John Sayles, the CEO of the Vermont Foodbank, and Marissa Parisi, the Executive Director of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.