We would like to share a few grant opportunities available through our colleagues at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (VAAFM).
Community Supported Agriculture Grant
Vermont registered or licensed early child care providers, Vermont licensed afterschool programs, and 21st Century Child Learning Center Programs can now apply for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Community Supported Agriculture Grant to support local farms and promote nutrition, food access, or culinary education for the children and families that they serve. The grants will reimburse programs for 70-80% of the cost of a CSA or farm share. The maximum grant award for this funding opportunity is $1,000.
Examples of how grantees can use local food purchased through the CSA grant (not an exhaustive list):
- Served in meals and snacks
- Sent home with children and/or families
- Used in cooking activities with children and/or families
Applications are due April 7, 2023, at 12 PM (noon).
Questions? Gina.clithero@vermont.gov or 802-585-6225
Farm to School Vision Grant
How do you define “Farm to school and early childhood”? For most, it includes a variety of efforts aimed at educating and engaging children and young adults on the connections that exist between agriculture, nutrition, community and health.
The VAAFM Vision Grant is designed to support innovative projects that engage youth in exploring those connections and addressing contemporary problems such as climate change, food insecurity, food sovereignty, health disparities, and racial injustice.
A total of $150,000 is available through this competitive funding opportunity. The minimum award is $5,000 and the maximum award is $50,000. Schools, school districts, early childhood education programs, afterschool programs, and non-profits working in partnership within the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network are eligible to apply.
Strong proposals will be scalable and/or replicable, will prioritize youth leadership, and will demonstrate a significant impact on Vermont youth.
Applications are due April 24, 2023, at 12 PM (noon). Join an information webinar on March 30, 2023, at 10am to learn more about this opportunity.
Questions? Gina.clithero@vermont.gov or 802-585-6225