James "Jim" Lipinski - Vermont 2026 General Election Candidate Guide

James Lipinski Vermont 2026 election food security platform

In a candidate guide released on Thursday Vermont general election candidate James “Jim” Lipinski outlined his proposals for addressing food security, state taxation, and the agricultural economy.

Lipinski argues that state government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of residents through food aid, particularly as federal food programs undergo changes. According to the candidate guide, states should step in to cover these gaps, though doing so will require additional funding.

Because federal program changes did not include reduced taxes for most people, increasing state taxes to fill aid gaps will prove difficult. Lipinski suggests that raising the minimum wage can help cover needs without imposing new taxes on residents.

Lipinski plans to fund existing hunger relief programs

Lipinski’s stated priorities focus on collaborating with existing organizations by providing them with additional resources to further their missions. These groups include Meals on Wheels providers, the Vermont Food Bank, and Salvation Farms, alongside supporting the Summer EBT program for children.

Addressing the root causes of hunger requires confronting policy decisions over the years that prioritized profits over people, according to the candidate guide. Lipinski supports raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour and increasing taxes on high-income and very wealthy Vermonters to fund programs for less fortunate residents.

Lipinski intends to consult farmers about agricultural challenges

Regarding the state’s agriculture and food economy, Lipinski acknowledges that problems exist within the sector but notes he does not have deep experience with these issues. His stated first action would be to reach out to farmers to better understand their challenges, listen to their concerns, and gather their ideas on what would help ensure Vermont farms can continue to grow necessary food.