Originally published in Spring and Fall, there is now a yearly print issue as well as online issues. Hunger Mountain publishes fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, young adult and children's writing, and visual art.[3] The online issues also showcase author interviews and craft essays.
Reading period is from May 1 to October 1, during which time general submissions are accepted.
Hunger Mountain is named for a mountain in Middlesex, Vermont. According to legend, a group of men who went hunting on this mountain always returned home hungry, having caught only one quail between them. This mountain can be seen from many vantage points in Montpelier, where Hunger Mountain the magazine is located. The initial goals of the magazine were to call attention to established and emerging writers, while also highlighting local Vermont writers and artists. The journal was founded in 2002 by Caroline Mercurio and was made possible through a generous donation from a Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing alumnus. The premiere issue, released in the fall of 2002, included work by Wally Lamb, Maxine Kumin, and an interview with Grace Paley. Miciah Bay Gault took over as managing editor in 2009 and Samantha Kolber began her post as managing editor in July 2015.