Food Connects

Our Farm to School and Food Hub teams are hiring! Join us in making a positive impact on our regional food systems! Food Connects is hiring for:  - Farm to School Coach  - VT Harvest of the Month Program Manager  - Regional Foods Specialist  - Food Hub Fleet & Facilities Specialist Learn more about these roles here: https://lnkd.in/eQMSX3d

Shouldn’t all professional development include stunning lakeside views? The WRED- West River Education District and WSESU- WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SUPERVISORY UNION recently joined teams from across the Northeast at the 14th annual Northeast Farm to School Institute (NEFTSI) held at picturesque Shelburne Farms on Lake Champlain. Organized by Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day), NEFTSI empowers teams comprised of educators, food service professionals, administrators, and community members to enhance their Farm to School programs through engaging speakers, hands-on workshops, and personalized coaching. Read more about this year's NEFTSI here: https://lnkd.in/e_U6skYV

In Vermont, we believe in the power of collaboration to solve challenges. With this in mind, Business Development Manager David recently attended a gathering for The Grocer Project hosted by our friends at Foote Brook Farm, a member of Deep Root Organic Cooperative (Johnson, VT). The group included representatives from Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), Morrisville Food Co-op, Butterworks Farm, and Real Organic Project. Led by Annie Harlow of Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund/Vermont Farm to Plate, The Grocer Project works to strengthen the local supply chain to help it withstand the impacts of climate change and industry consolidation. This event included a tour of the farm & warehouse and provided great wholesale & retail information for the produce staff members, food hubs, producers, and advocates of local & organic food in attendance. David noted he particularly enjoyed the resulting conversation on ways to continue working together to strengthen our regional food system. We're grateful to have had the opportunity to join in dialogue with so many great partners and especially thankful to our friend Annie Harlow for organizing this great day filled with community building! Learn more about Annie’s work by reading her newsletter, Small Bites: https://lnkd.in/etRcqEzC?

Enjoy freshly made pizza and celebrate 5 generations of farming with Miller Farm on Wednesday, July 10th from 5:30-7:30pm, hosted by Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT (NOFA-VT). Attendees will also be treated to soft serve ice cream made from Miller Farm dairy, along with hayrides and a tour of the farm. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged. Register now by clicking https://lnkd.in/eYjSjyph  #pizzasocial #millerfarms #supportlocal

Mark your calendars for the Rich Earth Palooza: A Celebration of Local Food Cycles taking place on Saturday July 6th, from 1-4pm WINSTON PROUTY CENTER FOR CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INC This event presented by Rich Earth Institute will feature activities presented by Grateful Greens VT LLC, Composting Association of Vermont, Town of Brattleboro, Brooks Memorial Library, Foodworks, Edible Brattleboro, Windham Solid Waste Management District, Ben’s Bins Vermicomposting, and Toilets for People The day will include learning sessions on the importance of “peecycling” which can be beneficial to local farmers, how it can protect our watersheds, and how you can implement the practice at home! Enjoy live music, smoothies & visit Dosa Kitchen who will be serving up delicious food from their food truck. #richearthvt #localevent 

Earlier this month our Farm to School staff had an absolute blast celebrating at the Townshend Elementary First Annual Farm and Field Day! This classic field day had an educational twist featuring activities that engaged students about their local food systems and healthy eating habits. Check out our blog with more about our time with students who learned about dairy, our June Harvest of the Month product while making bike smoothies and butter in jars! Other community partners such as Meadows Bee Farm, Windham Solid Waste Management District, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department helped provide a number of activities adding to this day of fun and learning. Learn more about the event by clicking https://lnkd.in/eBEptQi3 #farmtoschool #harvestofthemonth #fieldday

1,200 meal kits ready to go starting tomorrow! Local summer food programs are in full swing across the state, serving the nutritional needs of children and incorporating local and seasonal products. School Nutrition Director for Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Harley Sterling and his 12-person team are hard at work making meal kits including Vermont produce, fresh local bread, artisan cheeses, organic bananas, breakfast cereals, and much more. Sign up for the next Meal Kit Pick-up taking place this Wednesday 6/26 from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Bellows Falls Union High School . ➡️ For more information go to https://lnkd.in/etxpfyBT

Did someone say dosa?!? The Food Hub team enjoyed a delicious lunch & celebrated a milestone for a Brattleboro staple - Dosa Kitchen 's 10th anniversary! Owners Leda Scheintaub and Nash Patel have made their iconic blue food truck hot spot in the community at WINSTON PROUTY CENTER FOR CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INC - a must visit if you ask us. Did you know? You can purchase their dosa batter, sauces, & Kaanji from us at the Food Hub! So order now OR stop by to indulge in a dosa and congratulate them on this milestone. Dosa Kitchen is open FRI-SUN 11:30 am-3:30pm. Read more about Dosa's Kitchen by visiting the article published by our friends at the Brattleboro Reformer ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d2-PJhj3 #foodconnects #foodhub #dosakitchen #brattleboro

We are consistently impressed by Harley Sterling, the School Nutrition Director at Windham Northeast Supervisory Union (WNESU) – and we’re not the only ones. Harley was honored at today's Local Foods Incentive (LFI) press conference announcing the top performers of the 2024 Local Foods Incentive Grant Program for buying 31% of their food locally in the 2023-24 school year, the highest of any Vermont school participating in the program. In response to this praise, Harley stated he is grateful to serve Vermont food to Vermont students, recognizing how institutions like his make a real difference in the health and well-being of students while supporting and growing the local food economy. Food Connects is proud to partner with Harley and WNESU in keeping our kids healthy and our regional food infrastructure strong. Click to read more about this event and other schools featured: https://lnkd.in/eHjNKGhS

In 2018, our friends Linnie and Akara generously donated a Passat to Food Connects. At the time, we served 54 food producers and 128 customers. Since then, we’ve grown a lot, working with nearly triple the number of food producers and customers across VT, NH, and MA. It's been an amazing journey, and the Passat has been with us every step of the way! But now, our beloved Passat is starting to show its age, and we could use a new set of wheels to keep up with our growing mission of delivering fresh, local food and supporting our regional food system. Like Linnie and Akara, YOU can become a Food Connects legend by donating your pre-loved car! The donation would be tax-deductible, and we would ensure that the vehicle is put to good use in supporting our work. Send Rachelle an email at [email protected], we're happy to answer any questions you might have.