The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) supports schools, early childhood organizations and institutions through a variety of initiatives. These efforts aim to increase agricultural literacy, strengthen markets for Vermont grown and produced products, improve equitable access to nutritious food, and celebrate Vermont’s agricultural identity.
Funding Opportunities
| Grant Opportunity | Eligible applicants | Application period |
|---|---|---|
|
Farm to Institution Market Development Grant: |
Vermont farms and food producers, producer associations, non-profits |
September 11 - October 23, 2024 |
|
Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant: |
Vermont schools and early childhood education organizations |
October 3 - November 14, 2024 |
|
Farm to School and Early Childhood Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Grants: |
Vermont early childhood education providers and after-school programs |
February 7 - March 7, 2025 |
|
Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grant: |
Vermont schools, early childhood education providers, and non-profit organizations |
February 27 - April 10, 2025 |
Farm to School and Early Childhood
Vermont is a national leader in farm to school and early childhood. Nearly eighty percent of Vermont schools are engaged in farm to school activities. In addition to schools, many of the state’s early childhood education (ECE) organizations have developed or expanded their own farm to early childhood programs.
One way that VAAFM supports schools and ECE’s is through our annual farm to school grants. Established by the Rozo McLaughlin Farm to School Act of 2006 (6 V.S.A. § 4721), these grants provide financial and technical assistance to organizations looking to establish or expand their farm to school programs.
Farm to Institution
VAAFM supports efforts to enhance institutional markets for Vermont grown and produced food. Colleges and universities, healthcare organizations, correctional facilities and the State of Vermont itself—all of these institutions represent important markets for Vermont growers and producers. VAAFM works with a variety of stakeholders to strengthen these markets by addressing supply chain issues and promoting the value of local food.
Reports & Resources
- FY23 Farm to School and Early Childhood Program Impact Report
- FY22 Farm to School and Early Childhood Program Impact Report
- FY21 Farm to School and Early Childhood Program Impact Report
- FY20 Farm to School and Childcare Program Impact Report
- Milk Service in Vermont Schools: Decision Making Criteria, Best Practices and Case Studies
- Milk in Vermont Schools: A Decision-Makers' Guide to Milk Service
- Economic Contribution and Potential Impact of Local Food Purchases Made by Vermont Schools
- FINE Farm to Institution Resource Database
- What Happens When Schools Buy Local Food?
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Changes in Fruit/Vegetable Consumption After Implementation of Farm to School Grants
- School Health Profiles: Nutrition Environment and Education in Vermont Secondary Schools among Vermont Farm to School Grantees