People love to highlight Vermont “firsts” — like, how we’re the first state to ban billboards and to approve civil unions. Or how we’re first in the nation in maple syrup production and number of craft breweries per capita.

Gary Gulka, of Cabot, wants to know: Where is Vermont ranked dead last?

As we waded through a sea of last-place statistics, one stood out to us more than any other. Satisfy your cravings (hint hint) and tune in to learn more.

Thanks to Gary for the great question. Click here for photos and a full episode transcript.

This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: That’s Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Kari Anderson, Bobby Lussier, Mikaela Lefrak, Jon Ehrens, Zoe McDonald, Phil Edfors, Shawn Harrington, Barbara Baraw, Hank Lambert, Michael Moser and everyone on Reddit who responded to our callout for fast food stories.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

Ask a question about Vermont
Sign up for the BLS newsletter
Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Vermont’s love-hate relationship with fast food