The bill H.167 proposes the establishment of the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant Program within the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. This program aims to provide grants to the Vermont Foodbank for the purchase of local food, which will be distributed through its channels. Additionally, the Vermont Foodbank will be able to offer subgrants to community partners to buy directly from smaller local farms and farm stands, with an emphasis on culturally preferred foods and fostering local relationships. The bill highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in Vermont, which has increased in recent years, and underscores the economic benefits of supporting local agriculture.

To facilitate the implementation of this program, the bill includes an appropriation of $2,000,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026. It also mandates annual reporting by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to relevant legislative committees, detailing the program's operations, including the total amount of food purchased and the number of farms involved. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring ongoing support for local food systems and food security initiatives in Vermont.