The Vermont Community Foundation's Northeast Kingdom Fund has awarded a grant to Salvation Farms to expand a partnership with the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging. The goal is to increase the amount of fresh, locally grown produce served at senior meal sites across the region.
Salvation Farms, based in Morrisville, coordinates the collection and distribution of surplus fruits and vegetables from Vermont farms. In 2018, its Lamoille Valley Gleaning program captured more than 210,000 servings of produce that would otherwise have gone unused.
“We’re thrilled to establish the partnership with Salvation Farms in the Northeast Kingdom,” said Laura Valcour, the council's director of nutrition and wellness. “What an incredible opportunity to support our local farms, our communities, and our food system. It’s a win-win for all.”
“Salvation Farms started gleaning the Lamoille Valley in north, central Vermont fifteen years ago,” said Theresa Snow, the organization's executive director. “We are eagerly exploring this expanded distribution opportunity with the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, making Vermont’s agricultural bounty available to seniors in the state’s northeast region.”
During a fall and winter pilot, Salvation Farms delivered gleaned produce biweekly to six senior meal sites in Barton, Glover, Lyndonville, Orleans, West Burke, and Danville. The effort aims to help meal programs incorporate more local food and improve nutritional value. Kitchen managers also receive time to share recipes and storage techniques.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Tim Dusenberry via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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