A new national report on the current experience of families with children reveals that Vermont ranks first in the nation for family housing stability and health insurance, but mental health and food security show signs of trouble. The annual Kids Count report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation reveals that 22% of Vermonters with children reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless in the previous week, compared to the national rate of 21%. Some 11% of Vermont respondents say there is sometimes or often not enough food to eat, compared to the national rate of 14%. We discuss the impact on Vermont families of the Covid-19 pandemic with three statewide advocates:

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• Sarah Teel, research director, Voices for Vermont Children
  
• Faye Mack, advocacy & education director, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Erhard Mahnke, Coordinator, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition