FAHC Network
Our Network is currently focused on building capacity to develop and implement policies, secure project funding, and directly support the transformation of food’s role in health care at the local and statewide levels in alignment with our mission. Our collaborative efforts will result in better health for all Vermonters.
White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities
Bi-State’s Food Access and Health Care (FAHC) Network was recognized in early 2024 for its commitment to end hunger and build healthy communities through a new White House initiative. This Network is focused on improving the lives of Vermonters by bridging food access and health care programs.
In response to this acknowledgment, Tess Stack Kuenning, Bi-State’s President and CEO, expressed her gratitude. “I am honored that Bi-State’s Vermont food access work is recognized through this partnership,” she remarked. “This recognition is a testament to the collective effort needed to address such pressing challenges.”
Bi-State’s food access work brings together key partners in Vermont’s rural communities with the aim of improving the health outcomes of those who live in the communities. Kristen Bigelow-Talbert, Network Director of Bi-State’s Food Access and Health Care Network, expressed “I am grateful to be part of this crucial movement towards ending hunger and fostering healthier communities”.
By joining this initiative, Bi-State’s Food Access and Health Care Network is aligning itself with a network of leaders committed to effecting meaningful change on the social drivers of health. Through collaborative action and innovative approaches, Bi-State’s Food Access and Health Care Network is driving progress towards a future where access to nutritious food is no longer a barrier for Vermonters.
- In March 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. The Challenge was a nationwide call-to-action to stakeholders across all of society to make bold commitments to advance President Biden’s goal to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030—all while reducing disparities.
- The Challenge built on the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health hosted by President Biden in in September 2022 where the President released a National Strategy , and announced over $8 billion of external commitments to achieve his bold goal.
Mission, Vision, Strategic Purpose, and Priority Areas
Mission
The VT FAHC Network partners strive to make food and access to a healthy diet a fully integrated component of the entire spectrum of life and health for all Vermonters. This includes the continuum from prevention to treatment.
Vision
All Vermonters have ready access to the appropriate diet to achieve and maintain good health.
Strategic Purpose
The VT FAHC Network works collaboratively to identify strategic initiatives to implement our mission – going beyond special projects and pilots to sustained, fully integrated, far-reaching programs that will become foundational to our health care system. Our Network is currently focused on building capacity to develop and implement policies, secure project funding, and directly support the transformation of food’s role in health care at the local and statewide levels in alignment with our mission. Our collaborative efforts will result in better health for all Vermonters.
Priority Areas
FAHC Network Partners
The FAHC Network Advisory Group is comprised of six organizations:
FAHC Advisory Group Members and Governance:
Bi-State PCA
Kristen Bigelow-Talbert, Network Director & Jamie Rainville, Project Director
Represents all VT FQHCs. Provides QI supports to FQHCs. Coordinates all aspects of project.
Hunger Free VT
Provides nutrition education, policy analysis, and training on access food safety-net services
VT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND)
Provides outreach to nutritionists/RDs
VT Farm to Plate
Convenes CSA Community of Practice, connecting FAHC Network to food partners/farms.
VT Foodbank
Provides nutrition education and food access; food shelves and community meal sites.
VPQHC
Provides QI supports to hospitals, including for FI screening.