The same three words underlie many problems facing the state now: Tropical Storm Irene. In September, the Vermont FoodBank distributed one million pounds of food across the state, up from 600,000 pounds last September.

The Shumlin Administration thinks it has a plan to reduce childhood hunger in the state. The Administration is seeking a waiver from the federal government to give food agencies more flexibility to buy locally grown products for their programs.

Vermont's hunger rate continues to creep upward, but the increase isn't as dramatic as it has been in recent years.

New data from the USDA show the rate of "food insecurity" in Vermont has grown four percent over the last five years. We talk with the director of the Vermont FoodBank about the economics of hunger.

In Vermont, 29,000 children meet the income guidelines for subsidized breakfast and lunch during the school year. For some, the meals are the only reliable source of daily nutrition. But the state's summer meal programs reach only about 5,000 kids - a small fraction of those who qualify.

VPR's Steve Zind talks with the CEO of the Vermont Foodbank and the Executive Director of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger about hunger in Vermont.

A new USDA report shows the highest hunger levels in the U.S. since 1995.  In Vermont, 12% of households struggle with hunger.  We look into why the issue of hunger continues to worsen.  Also, Vermont's state forests celebrate 100 years!

Summer can be a time of abundance, with gardens and farm fields brimming with fresh vegetables. But experts say that, for children, hunger knows no season. Also, an update on efforts to revamp rail service in parts of Vermont, and puppetry program helps children deal with difficult issues.

Experts say more than one in 10 Vermonters run out of food each month or don't get enough food for a healthy lifestyle.

We check in with the Vermont Foodbank and other organizations about how they're coping with the problem of hunger.  Also, we learn how to make whole wheat bread at King Arthur Flour.

VPR's Neal Charnoff speaks with Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Vermont Foodbank,Christine Foster, about the demand for food this year.

Many Vermonters households are still struggling with hunger. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study one in ten Vermont households lack access to enough food to feel secure and live healthy lifestyles.

Paul Porier has defeated state Rep. Leo Valliere in a recount of the Barre representative; the Douglas administration hopes that the federal government can pay more for road and bridge repair; more...

Turnout is expected to be low for the statewide primary races in; the victim of a carbon monoxide poisoning has filed a motion to stop a company involved in a lawsuit from hiring a private investigator to follow her; more...

Dr. Larry Brown agrees gas prices, the housing crisis, the war in Iraq are all serious problems that need to be confronted. But Brown says there is an invisible epidemic in America not getting much press - hunger.