The National Farm to School Network gathered Vermont food systems specialists to share our state’s unique approach to implementing the USDA Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets is one of only a few state agencies nationwide that are passing these USDA funds directly to food hubs to coordinate local food sales to schools. Vermont’s innovative approach of a farmer-focused local food purchasing incentive flips the narrative from the current model, which provides funding to schools to incentivize local food purchasing.
Watch the webinar recording to learn about the benefits and challenges of this model as agency staff and food hub partners share how their program works and offer lessons learned from implementation.
Presenters include:
- Patrick Ackerman-Hovis, Farm to School Sales Coordinator, Food Connects
- Tom Brewton, Institutional Sales Specialist , Food Connects
- Gina Clithero, Farm to Institution Program Manager, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
- Becca Perrin, Food Hub Account Manager, Green Mountain Farm to School
- Tracy Weatherhogg, Facilities and Fulfillment Manager, Vermont Farmers Food Center
View the presentation slides
This webinar is part of a collaborative project between the National Farm to School Network and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems that aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on incentive programs.
