Building Bright Futures believes that good policymaking starts with hearing from the people who are affected most. That’s why, in 2025, BBF partnered with the RAPID Survey Project at Stanford University to ask Vermont families directly: What does daily life actually look like?
The answer, for too many families, is that daily life is hard.
A new fact sheet from RAPID—based on responses from 869 Vermont parents of children under age 6—finds that 44% struggled to afford at least one basic necessity between January and June 2025. That includes utilities, housing, food, healthcare, and child care.
While low-income families are affected the most, families are struggling across the income spectrum:
- 77% of lower-income families reported material hardship
- 30% of middle-income families struggled to afford basic needs
- 38% of higher-income Vermont families reported financial strain
- Utilities were the most common pressure point—nearly one in three families had difficulty paying energy bills—followed by housing and food
Alongside the numbers, families shared what’s on their minds in their own words. Their concerns—about economic security, access to child care, the cost of daily life, and the stress of navigating an unpredictable economy—map directly onto the goals of Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan. What families are asking for isn’t extraordinary. They want support that meets today’s realities, and time to actually be present with their children.
“Food is so expensive, I’m having to find more food shelves to utilize. The exhaust on my car needs to be fixed but I can’t afford it.” —Parent in Windsor County
“Losing our housing, being able to pay rent and keep up with the bills [are my biggest concerns].” —Parent in Lamoille County
“The rising cost of living is a big concern for myself and my family.” —Parent in Washington County
BBF will be sharing these findings with policymakers, funders, and economic developers across the state. We encourage you to read the full fact sheet and share it with the leaders and decision-makers in your networks.
Read the RAPID Vermont Fact Sheet
Interested in sharing your perspective on the needs of Vermont families? The Families and Communities Committee is a group of parents, guardians, caregivers, and professionals dedicated to improving systems and services for Vermont families and communities. Payment is available for committee members who are parents or caregivers of children age 8 or younger. Learn more
