A Newport-based nonprofit that links local farmers with institutional buyers reported record sales of more than $17,500 during the week of December 9.
Green Mountain Farm Direct (GMFD) serves as a regional food hub for about 30 farms and producers, distributing to schools, restaurants, grocery stores and other organizations across the Northeast Kingdom. The record total was driven by purchases from Brighton Elementary, Charleston Elementary, H.O.P.E. in Lyndonville, Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) Head Start in Gilman, and NEKCA’s St. Johnsbury food shelf.
Funding came from several sources, including a Health Equity Grant, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and GMFD’s own Holiday Basket initiative. The two elementary schools used the purchases to send boxes of produce and dairy home with students for the holidays. NEKCA’s buying helped residents facing food insecurity.
Local restaurants also participated. Auntie Dee Dee’s in East Burke and The Pizza Man in Lyndonville bought local ingredients for the Everyone Eats program, which provides free meals to Vermonters in need. By purchasing through GMFD, money stays in the region, supporting farms such as Deep Root Organic Coop, Jocelyn & Cinta’s Bakery, Just Cut, Nothin’ But Curd, Champlain Orchards, Butterworks Farm, and Pete’s Greens.
GMFD says it plans to continue its work through 2021, connecting farmers with the charitable food system to address pandemic-related food and economic insecurity.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Annelie Valera via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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