The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has announced the allocation of $272,895 through seven new Farm to School Service Provider Grants. These grants aim to expand training, technical assistance, and resources for schools and early childhood programs throughout Vermont.
“These investments matter. They strengthen our schools, support our farms, and uplift the people who help feed us every day,” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture. “This program grows Vermont’s economy while protecting our most vulnerable neighbors — ensuring opportunity and stability for communities across the state.”
The recipients for fiscal year 2026 include:
– Center for an Agricultural Economy: Statewide Farm to School and Local Food Procurement Technical Assistance and Localized Farm To School Programming ($39,693)
– Food Connects, Inc: Farm to School Coaching Services ($40,000)
– Hunger Free Vermont: Trailblazing Pathways for Meal Program Viability & Growth in Schools and Early Childhood Programs ($40,000)
– Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont: Statewide Technical Assistance for Local Foods in Schools & Early Childhood Programs ($39,836)
– Shelburne Farms: Network Coordination and Northeast Farm to School Institute Subawards ($39,972)
– Smokey House Center: Classroom-to-Valley Program at Smokey House Center ($39,641)
– Tiny Seed Project, Inc.: Expanding Partnerships and Technical Support for Upper Valley Super Compost Schools ($33,753)
An additional $727,105 in grants from the same program is expected to be announced later in the spring. This will bring total funding awarded this fiscal year through the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program to $1 million.
The grant program was established by the Vermont Legislature in 2006 with the Rozo Mclaughlin Farm to School Act. Since its start, it has provided 359 grants supporting over 300 schools and early childcare programs across the state. The initiative positions Vermont as a leader among states with annual state-funded farm to school grant programs. Award decisions are made with input from both the Vermont Agency of Education and the Vermont Department of Health.
More information about these grants can be found at agriculture.vermont.gov/farmtoschool.
For questions regarding this announcement, contact Gina Clithero at VAAFM.
