VPR News

Midday Newscast May 1, 2008

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The number of Vermonters signing up for food stamp benefits hit a 15-year high in March; the state Tax Department is already prepared for a possible sales tax holiday this summer; 
Vermont Edition
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Rise in Food Prices

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The American Farm Bureau says prices for a basket of 16 basic grocery items rose by 8 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Sec. of Agriculture Roger Allbee explains what’s behind the rise in food prices and how it’s affecting farmers, grocery retailers and consumers. Also, a new cookbook specializes in Vermont-grown foods, and we go searching for fiddleheads near the Winooski River.
Vermont Edition

Getting More Local Food into School Lunches

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School lunch programs rely on federally subsidized foods that are trucked in from out of state, but schools are also turning to local farmers to provide more of what they serve. We examine the challenges of putting more local food in school cafeterias. Also, we look beyond the hand wringing over Lake Champlain’s health to possible solutions, and a report from the Northeast Kingdom on a controversial constable who faces a serious challenger on March 4.
Vermont Edition

Vermont’s Empty Food Shelves

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The Vermont Food Bank has 50% less stock than it did one year ago, and across the state local food pantries are struggling to fill their shelves. Demand for food typically goes up during the winter and holiday season, and that has food shelf workers worried. We talk with the head of the Vermont Food Bank, Doug O’Brien, about the reasons behind the shortage, and the impact of a decrease in federal funding.
Vermont Edition

Poverty In Vermont

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Last spring the Legislature passed a law instructing the state to cut childhood poverty in half over the next 10 years. The effort has brought together lawmakers, state agencies and non-profit groups to rethink how we deal with poverty in Vermont. We talk with some of the people behind this effort about the new approach they’re taking.
VPR News

Midday Newscast: August 27, 2007

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Vermont’s two U.S. senators are welcoming the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez; another round of strong thunderstorms kept Vermont utility crews busy through the weekend; Vermont state government is being recognized for doing a good job handling the food stamp program; State government says it wants to do a better job of coordinating downtown improvement with land-use planning.