Vermont Farm to School Program
Vermont, United States. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620.
Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Vendor and Product Properties, Desirability, Norms and Preferences, Social Capital
Regional
Citizens/Consumers, Businesses, Public Sector
Ongoing
The program aims to strengthen child nutrition, food education, and local farming by connecting schools with Vermont farmers and food producers. It provides grants, training , and support for schools to serve locally sourced food in meals and integrate food education into the curriculum.
The program began in the early 2000s as a response to poor child nutrition, lack of awareness of local agriculture, and the need to support Vermont farmers. It was developed through collaboration between the Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day).
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food &Markets manages the program, with progress monitored through grant reporting, farm-to-school network evaluations, and annual impact reports.
The program has funded hundreds of schools through grants, increasing the share of locally grown foods in school meals. Results include improved student nutrition, stronger connections to local farms, and greater community awareness of healthy eating. Challenges include ensuring funding sustainability and equal access rural schools.