Vermont Invests in Local Food Programs

Why it matters

These grants, totaling $272,895, will bolster the support system for farm-to-school initiatives statewide. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is distributing the funds to provide training, resources, and technical assistance to schools and early childhood programs. The grants are a new offering from the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program, an annual state-funded initiative. The program connects Vermont's youth with local farms and fresh food, contributing to agricultural literacy and stronger markets for Vermont-grown products. Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts emphasized that these investments strengthen schools, support farms, and uplift communities by ensuring opportunity and stability. The Farm to School program was created in 2006 through the Rozo McLaughlin Farm to School Act. The program has awarded 359 grants to over 300 Vermont schools and early childcare programs since its inception. These grants help develop farm-to-school programming integrated across classrooms, cafeterias, and communities. Another $727,105 in grants will be announced in the spring, including one-time Local Food for Schools and Early Childhood funding.

Key numbers

• These grants, totaling $272,895, will bolster the support system for farm-to-school initiatives statewide.
• The Farm to School program was created in 2006 through the Rozo McLaughlin Farm to School Act.
• The program has awarded 359 grants to over 300 Vermont schools and early childcare programs since its inception.
• Another $727,105 in grants will be announced in the spring, including one-time Local Food for Schools and Early Childhood funding.

What happens next

• These grants, totaling $272,895, will bolster the support system for farm-to-school initiatives statewide.
• Another $727,105 in grants will be announced in the spring, including one-time Local Food for Schools and Early Childhood funding.

Sources

• Program announced

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