We have some exciting news: Food Connects Food Hub is now cGMP certified! After years of careful planning, rigorous preparation, and teamwork, our Food Hub has achieved a major milestone, earning certification in current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) through a third-party audit. This certification opens the door for us to serve large institutional buyers like the University of Vermont (UVM) through Sodexo, dramatically expanding the reach of local food in our region.

While optional, cGMP certification is essential for doing business with large institutions, think universities, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias. These buyers require assurance that the food they serve is handled in a facility that meets the highest federal food safety standards. With our 99% audit score, we now have that gold standard seal of approval.

“This was such an inspirational and hard-won achievement for our entire team,” said McKenna Hayes, Food Hub Director. “It’s a big win for our Food Hub, and for the entire regional food system we support.”

The journey to certification wasn’t easy. It took two years of intensive work and over five years of strategic preparation to get here. And just to raise the stakes, we were also expanding into a brand-new 10,000 square foot warehouse at the same time, complete with new coolers and freezers. Imagine building out and operationalizing a large space while also weaving together every system, record, and staff protocol needed to meet federal safety standards. As Hayes put it, “It felt like weaving a complex tapestry.”

We didn’t do it alone. Our food safety partners, LOT49 Advisors, were critical throughout the process. With expert guidance from Jaclyn Bowen and Joe Dickenson, we ensured that every detail—no matter how small—met regulatory standards.

With certification in hand, we’re gearing up to begin deliveries to UVM/Sodexo starting Fall 2025, with plans to expand to even more institutional customers in the near future. This means more market access for our 134+ local farm and producer partners and more local food on plates in large-scale food service operations.

“This certification is a tool that allows us to scale our impact,” said Hayes. “It verifies our food safety systems and gives large buyers the confidence to work with us, all while supporting local farms and helping institutions meet local purchasing goals.”

One of the most exciting parts of this achievement? We’re now in a position to help other food hubs do the same. Through our Catalyst Technical Assistance program, we’re offering support to other food hubs interested in pursuing third-party food safety audits and scaling up to serve institutions.

“We learned so much through this process,” Hayes shared. “It was hard work, but it was also fun and inspiring. I’m excited to support other hubs on their journey.”

For Hayes, this moment holds special meaning. “I’m from Burlington and went to UVM. I was there when Sodexo launched the VT First program. To now help bring more local food to UVM is incredibly meaningful to me. I really love this work, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Want to connect with McKenna Hayes or learn more about our Technical Assistance program?
Reach out at info@foodconnects.org.