Vermont's Farm to School Newsletter Resources to support your farm to school needs, brought to you by members of the Vermont Farm to School Network.

Network Action Team Updates

Vermont Farm to School Network members had a busy year expanding farm to school activities​ throughout the state. We're sharing a look into some of the Action Teams’ recent progress.

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Resources & News We're Following

Vermont FEED's New Farm to School Guide This newly published resource is intended to support school communities in developing farm to school programs and addressing whole school change. It reflects 20 years of practice, evaluative research, and innovation in the field, and is organized around farm to school action planning. • December Harvest of the Month: Winter Squash! Squashes are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with cucumbers, summer squash, and watermelon. Originally, squashes were cultivated for the consumption of their seeds only, as they had minimal, bitter-tasting flesh; over time, fleshier, fruitier varieties were developed. • Threading the Past into the Future: Infusing Indigenous Perspective in our Curriculum “Where is the Indigenous perspective in our place-based education work?” Champlain Elementary 5th grade teacher Aziza Malik posed the question to herself and her colleagues, and began a journey of discovery within and beyond her school. • Scaffolding Sustainability Education in the Classroom: NewBrook’s Ladder of Responsibility Based on the Ladder of Environmental Responsibility created by David Sobel, NewBrook is tackling environmental issues head on. • Addison County Connects Farmers and Preschools The Addison Independent celebrates Addison County's Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Market grant award to build their farm to early childhood programming. Story begins on page 37.

Northeast Farm to School Institute Now Accepting Applications!

Vermont FEED's Northeast Farm to School Institute is a unique, year-long professional learning opportunity for school and early childhood teams from New England and New York. Whether you're a long-time farm to school advocate or looking to get started, you're invited to form a team and apply. The year kicks off with a Summer Retreat at Shelburne Farms June 29–July 1. Applications due February 14.

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Lessons from Chef Dan Giusti, Keynote at the 2019 School Nutrition Association of Vermont Conference

Chef Dan Giusti, former head chef of the world-renowned restaurant Noma in Copenhagen and founder of Brigaid , spent four year as a school Food Service Director, and shares his lessons learned in the cafeteria.

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Events & Professional Learning

JANUARY 17:  Jr Iron Chef VT 2020 registration closes. Sign up early, space is limited! • FEBRUARY 1: Farm to Early Childhood Workshop Church of the Rock, St. Albans • FEBRUARY 12: Farm to School & Early Childhood Awareness Day State House, Montpelier • MARCH 14:   Jr Iron Chef VT 2020 Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex • JUNE 29–JULY 1: Northeast Farm to School Institute Summer Retreat Shelburne Farms, Shelburne

Grant Opportunities

Vermont Community Garden Network's Thriving Gardens Grant Program A program for existing and newly forming garden groups for projects that support the growth of thriving gardens. Applications due 2/19. APPLY STARTING 1/8

The Vermont Farm to School Network is a statewide network engaging students and school communities in a local food and farm culture that nurtures children's health, cultivates viable farms, and builds vibrant communities. Please contact Betsy Rosenbluth at   [email protected] with questions, comments, or additions.