Image: Thetford Academy Farm to School Program
Program supports school access to local food and agriculture education organizations in Vermont
March 6, 2025 | Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) announces the availability of grant funds to expand farm to school and early childhood programming in Vermont. The Farm to School and Early Childhood Vision Grant supports projects that amplify innovative work in individual school communities, strengthen farm to school support services, and reach underserved school and early childhood communities.
Schools, school districts, early childhood educators, afterschool programs, and non-profits working in partnership with other organizations in the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network, are eligible to apply. $275,000 is available to award and the min/max award range is $10,000 - $60,000.
The purpose of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program is to help Vermont schools and early childhood programs develop farm-to-school programs that will sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of Vermont children, and enhance Vermont’s agricultural economy. The Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program was authorized by the Vermont State Legislature in 2006 with the enactment of the Rozo Mclaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act (6 V.S.A. § 4721).
Applications are due Thursday, April 10 at 2:00 PM. Interested applicants can learn more at agriculture.vermont.gov/farmtoschool.
VAAFM is offering an optional informational webinar and Q&A session for prospective applicants on March 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
For program questions, please contact: Gina Clithero | VAAFM Farm to Institution Program Manager | gina.clithero@vermont.gov | 802-585-6225