Making Magic at Academy School

By Sheila Humphreys

Kathy Cassin, Garden Coordinator at Academy School in Brattleboro, VT, recently brought magic into the lives of kindergarten students. It’s part of her job to make gardening and cooking activities come alive at the school, and Kathy definitely rose to the occasion this time! 

Dummerston School Launches Farm to School Buddy Class Project

By Sheila Humphreys

In the spring of 2021, Dummerston School was awarded a $10,000 Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Farm and Markets (VAAFM). This unique grant includes customized professional development provided by Vermont FEED. At Dummerston School, principal Julianne Eagan decided to use that professional development to launch a new buddy classroom program with a Farm to School and outdoor learning focus. 

Harvest Dinner Returns to Newbrook Elementary School

By Jenny Kessler

On November 9th, after two long years with very limited community events due to COVID-19, Newbrook Elementary School hosted its first Harvest Dinner since 2019. This was a beautiful event, showcasing student-made art, donations from the community, soups cooked by students, staff, and community members, a shared meal, and a successful fundraising effort for the Farm to School program. It also started with a beautiful land acknowledgment led by students. 

Food Connects' Farm to School Celebrates New Sponsor, Deerfield Valley Real Estate

We love to talk to our local businesses about the work our Farm to School team does in their communities and beyond. Our Farm to School sponsors must align with our mission to cultivate healthy food and farm connections in cafeterias, classrooms, and communities. Our new sponsor, Deerfield Valley Real Estate, is a perfect fit!

Local Vending Machine Snacks at Brattleboro Union High School

By Sheila Humphreys

This year, the Brattleboro Union High School cafeteria has added local foods to its vending machine! Alongside more traditional vending machine snacks, Brattleboro Area Food Service Director Ali West is now stocking Brattleboro’s own True North Granola, Montpelier-based Garuka Bars, Rutland-based Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind, and Providence Rhode Island-based Shri Bark Snacks, all sourced from the Food Connects Food Hub.

Oak Grove’s Harvest Dinner: The Return of an Annual Farm to School Tradition

By Sheila Humphreys

For the first time since the fall of 2019, Oak Grove School held its annual Harvest Dinner celebration with families. A longstanding tradition at the school, this event features food grown in the school garden and harvested and prepared by students. This year, the dinner was attended by over 50 families and was held during the school’s fall open house.