We’re inviting all Vermont farmers selling to school and early childhood programs to post this sign on your farm or market booth this October. By displaying this sign on your farm, you are telling your representatives and community that you are helping to create a sustainable system wherein local food is served to Vermont’s children.  

100+ Vermont farms feed our youth across the state through early childhood programs and school nutrition programs — Let’s grow that number even higher!

Learn how we're growing farm to school & early childhood

  • Read Stories from the Field!

    • Laura Butler, the kids she cares for and teaches at her home-based childcare program, and farmer Christine Bourque of Blue Heron Farm on CSA drop-off day.

      Laura Butler & Blue Heron Farm

      Milton, VT

      "We’re all learning about food, and I know the kids are eating things they wouldn’t otherwise.”

      Read more

    • Alburgh Community Education Center + Darby Farm

      Alburgh Community Education Center & Darby Farm

      Alburgh, VT

      “We encourage kids to try new things, and we remind them that people worked really hard to get that food to us.”'

      Read More

    • Candice Four Feathers Farm offers students a chance to meet a chicken up close.

      Milton Family Community Center

      Milton, VT

      “I strongly believe that it is important to teach children where their food comes from. Making a connection to healthy food in its natural state is critical to teaching them that they can grow or purchase fresh veggies and fruits.”

      Read more

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  • What Farmers Are Saying:

    "It's heartwarming to watch young kids marvel at vegetables they may have never seen or eaten before. To participate in the Farm to School & Early Childhood program allows us to help encourage kids' natural curiosity, delight, and future appreciation and interest in where the food on their plate comes from. For this small farm it's a way to pay it forward to the next generation of healthy, vibrant adults."

    Lara Dickson, Owner & Farmer, Next Chapter Farm

    Next Chapter Farm, Middlebury
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  • Find Your Local Participating Farms

    Use the map below to find farms that are selling to schools and early childhood programs. If they have put up their lawn sign, show us! Snap a photo and post with #ThisFarmFeedsVTKids*.

  • What Food Hubs Are Saying:

    “It’s so necessary to highlight the ‘farm’ side of Farm to School! Our Vermont farmers and producers are essential to keeping our school meals local and nutritious. Green Mountain Farm Direct is honored to facilitate the connections that get Vermont food in Vermont schools.” 

    Becca Perrin, Green Mountain Farm Direct

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  • I’m a Farmer, What Should I Do with the Sign?

    Proudly put the sign in a visible place on your farm (we suggest by the road), farm stand, or bring it with you to the farmers’ markets. Check out the video above for inspiration! Take a photo of yourself with the sign and post to social media. Invite customers and visitors to do the same.

    When posting, use the hashtag #ThisFarmFeedsVTKids. The Vermont Farm to School Network will collect the photos* to share with state leaders to show just how much our community values healthy, local food in our schools and early childhood programs.

    Not on social media? Send your photos to [email protected].

    Follow the campaign throughout October by searching for #ThisFarmFeedsVTKids on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To receive a sign or help distribute signs, contact [email protected].

    Stay in touch! Sign up for stories, advocacy updates, and professional learning opportunities from the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network.

    *By using the hashtag on social media or emailing a photo to us, The Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network assumes permission for the Network and its partner organizations to use the image in print and digital media for advocacy purposes.

  • Additional Resources & Articles

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  • Your Photos