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.
Celebrating Farm to School & Early Childhood Awareness Day
We heard it again this year: Farm to School and Early Childhood Awareness Day is one of Vermont legislators' favorite days at the State House! On February 12, students, teachers, administrators, farmers, school nutrition staff and advocates came to the Capitol to share their stories of the benefits of farm to school.
Resources & News We're Following
There’s a lot going on at the state and national level when it comes to Farm to School policies. The Food Connects team wants to invite you along as they follow the latest news and encourage our lawmakers to take action. First up: Universal School Meals.
Vermonters have been harvesting maple for hundreds of year. Syrup is made by boiling sap into a concentrated form. Use it to top pancakes or waffles, mix into a salad dressing, or create a simple glaze for roasted vegetables. 
Find activities to explore the processes of sugarmaking with your students!
Massachusetts Farm to School report connects two emerging trends: increased school district diversity and increased efforts to improve the health and quality of school meals.
This resource is intended to help advance National Farm to School Network’s racial and social equity priority by increasing our understanding of the work in the context of structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism. 
Join: Food Connects Farm to School Conference
Wednesday, April 8
The conference brings together teachers, administrators, child nutrition professionals, parents, and other school-based staff for a day of learning, networking and resource sharing. Hear from regional farm to school experts and harness inspiration for your school’s Farm to School programming. Registration closes March 18.
Jr Iron Chef VT 2020 Update: Competition Cancelled
The competition on Saturday, March 14th has been cancelled. The Vermont FEED partners, NOFA-VT and Shelburne Farms, take seriously their collective responsibility to those most vulnerable in our society. Despite the event’s cancellation, we are proud of the students and inspired by their energy and commitment.
Events & Professional Learning
Sharon Elementary School, Sharon
Statewide
School for International Training, Brattleboro
Statewide
Hartland Recreation Center, Hartland
JUNE 29–JULY 1: Northeast Farm to School Institute Summer Retreat
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne
Breakfast Spotlight: Windham Southeast School District
Last week was National School Breakfast Week—read about what it takes to get breakfast to students in one Southern Vermont school district.
Grant Opportunities
KidsGardening.org's 2019-2020 Carton 2 Garden Contest

Open to public and private schools, contest winners will be selected based on their implementation of an innovative garden creation featuring creative and sustainable uses for repurposed milk and juice cartons.
Farm to School Infrastructure Grants

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets is now accepting applications for this grant program, which helps schools and early care providers advance the goals of farm to school through the purchase of equipment and/or supplies.
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   brosenbluth@shelburnefarms.org with questions, comments, or additions.