BRATTLEBORO — On June 29, Food Connects held an event at the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) Business Park at 22 Browne Court to announce the launch of a public campaign to raise $1 million. The campaign aims to support the expansion of their regional food distribution network and foster sustainable growth in the local food system.
Speakers included Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbets, state Sen. Wendy Harrison, D-Windham, BDCC Executive Director Adam Grinold, and Food Connects Founder and Executive Director Richard Berkfield.
Food Connects initiated the campaign in 2022 to add 10,000 square feet of food storage at the site of the former Book Press that includes dry, cold, and frozen storage. The goal, they said, is "to increase the region's access to fresh, nutrient-dense, local food and help small and emerging farms and food businesses access food storage and wholesale distribution."
With the ability to store and distribute food on a larger scale, Food Connects says it will "connect more farmers with wholesale buyers, including schools, hospitals, and restaurants, increasing access to local food and supporting the local economy."
Food Connects has received 70%, or $700,000, toward its campaign goal. Fundraising for the remaining funds has already begun, accompanied by a match challenge announced at the event. A generous individual donor has pledged to contribute a $25,000 matching gift if Food Connects can secure $25,000 from donors by the end of the summer.
Tebbets emphasized Food Connects work by citing some statistics from the Agency of Agriculture.
"When we invest in our schools and purchase local food, the entire local economy benefits," he said. "For each dollar we spend on local food for Farm to School, $1.60 is recirculated [back] into the Vermont economy."
He continued, "Over 100 Vermont farms sell to schools and early childhood programs. Local food purchases are helping farmers succeed and sustain the working landscape."
Former U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy was pivotal in securing these funds as part of a congressionally directed spending request during his final year in office. Food Connects has also secured $200,000 from USDA Rural Development and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. With the launch of the public campaign, they aim to raise the remaining $300,000 through foundation grants, individual contributions, and corporate gifts.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the value of Food Connects' network and storage expansion project. The recent growth of Food Connects has positively affected their Farm to School program, especially during the pandemic. By expanding operations and strengthening their partnerships, they were able to ensure students had access to nutritious food, even during remote learning.
The program's success was further reinforced when the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union committed to $50,000 in purchases for meal boxes during the summer break of 2023.
Harrison spoke about the importance of school meals for the state.
"They [Food Connects] provide critical support for healthy, local meals in schools," She also referenced the state's funding for universal school meals, saying, "I received the most messages from local constituents, writing in support of universal school meals. People really care, and not only are those meals going to be provided at no cost to families, but in our area, those meals will include local food and support local farmers."
By expanding storage capabilities and enhancing operational infrastructure, Food Connects is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for local and regional food products. Their commitment to supporting farmers, promoting sustainable food systems, and fostering healthier communities makes them a leader in the regional food distribution landscape.
For more information or to donate to the Food Connects capital campaign, go to foodconnects.org/donate.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.