Cultivating Healthy Communities Through Food and Education

Green Mountain Farm-to-School Annual Report 2013-2014

Annual Report 2013-2014

Green Mountain Farm-to-School’s mission is to restore and strengthen local food systems in the of by promoting positive economic and educational relationships among schools, farms, and communities.

A Letter from the Executive Director and Chair of the Board

Dear Friends:

t GMFTS we bring good food to kids and support local farms. This work is especially important in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where one in four children are food insecure. We know that changing the way kids eat and think Aabout food improves their health, their environment, and their future. Over the last six years, thanks to your support, we’ve made extraordinary progress towards these goals. This year we planted 25 school gardens, partnered with 43 farm- ers, educated 5,000 kids, facilitated the sale of food reaching over 15,000 people, and launched a statewide marketing campaign. We also completed a strategic planning process to position GMFTS for future growth. Our work to date has had a tremendous impact on education and nutrition in schools. It has also helped us understand that these schools are part of an intercon- nected system surrounding our children and spanning families, businesses, farms, Katherine Sims distributors, and the broader community. Over the past year, while continuing to deepen our school-based work, we have developed a comprehensive place-based ap- proach to transform the food system in the Northeast Kingdom. We’re building new supply chains between farms and consumers; providing support and training for schools, farms, and institutions to market, sell, and serve their food; and working with community stakeholders from hospitals to chefs to grocery store owners. And our effect is rippling far beyond kids and schools. We see senior centers order- ing more kale, families cooking healthy meals together, and neighbors gathering for fresh summer picnics. Through our work, we’re building community. Our work would not be possible without the generosity and efforts of our many partners and friends in the community. We are excited to share our successes in this Annual Report and look forward to continuing our work with you in the coming year. Julie Poulin

Sincerely,

Katherine Sims Julie Poulin Founder and Executive Director Board Chair

2013-2014 Staff Althea Brown, AmeriCorps Farm-to- 2013-2014 Board of Directors Katherine Sims, Founder and School Coordinator Amy Crank Executive Director Karina French, AmeriCorps Farm-to- Lisa Daigle-Farney Catherine Cusack, Program Director School Coordinator Robert Kern, Treasurer Jessie Griffen, Local Food Program Director Emma Helverson, AmeriCorps Farm- Anne Lazor Deb Hamilton, Office Manager and to-School Coordinator Jana Lovejoy Bookkeeper Rebecca Mitchell, AmeriCorps Farm- Julie Poulin, Incoming Board Chair Kristy Scott, Customer Sales and Office to-School Coordinator Katherine Sims, Founder and Executive Director Assistant Lauren Sopher, AmeriCorps Harvest David Stackpole, Chair emeritus Meghan Stotko, Lunchbox Manager of the Month Coordinator Dean Vervoort Whitney Brooks, AmeriCorps Farm-to- Chloe Hayes, Intern Steve Wright School Coordinator Jada Wensman, Intern Holly Wyllie, Secretary Adele Woodmansee, Intern

1 Green Mountain Farm-to-School

GMFTS Uses Three Strategies to Increase Demand for Local Food

We do work We train and support We provide resources ourselves others in their work for others to use

In Schools • Farm-to-School • Farm-to-School • Farm-to-School • Farm Direct • Farm Direct • Harvest of the Month • Harvest of the Month • Harvest of the Month

In Institutions • Farm Direct • Farm Direct • Harvest of the Month • Harvest of the Month

In Communities • The Lunchbox • Harvest of the Month • The Lunchbox

Program Launch Timeline

Harvest of the Month Farm-to-School Program Farm Direct The Lunchbox

2 Annual Report 2013-2014

2013-2014 Progam Partners

Newport

7

89

91

Burlington St. Johnsbury

7 89

Montpelier

Farm Direct (read more about this program on page 6)

91 Farm to School (read more about this program on page 4)

89 Harvest of the Month 7 (read more about this program on page 7) Lunchbox (read more about this program on page 8)

White River Junction

7 91

Bennington Brattleboro

3 Green Mountain Farm-to-School Farm-to-School: Changing the way kids eat and think about food

The Northeast Kingdom Farm-to-School Program gives programs, resources, and networking opportunities to schools in the Northeast Kingdom, supporting their efforts to build school gardens, source local food, and provide nutrition and agriculture education.

ver the last year, we deepened our commitment to quality by expanding our workshop offering, increasing the number of interactions we had with each kid, strengthening our evaluations, and building capacity within the schools we serve,O and all while continuing to serve 4,315 kids.

During the 2013-14 school year, students in our 28 partner schools participated in a wide range of programs and activities, including:

 Students learn about rutabaga during a plant part lesson plan in the classroom - 534 in-class workshops  Students visit a local farm and help harvest rutabaga - 30 field trips to farms  Students plant rutabaga in the school garden - 25 school gardens  Students work in the kitchen to help prepare rutabaga in two different ways: raw rutabaga sticks and roasted root vegetables - 92 taste tests  Students collect rutabaga peelings and compost the scraps on-site - 11 schools composting  Students conduct a rutabaga taste test in the cafeteria and gather feedback about the recipe  Students design a marketing campaign for rutabaga during an after-school program - 215 after-school programs  Students eat rutabaga regularly as a part of their school meal program - 18 schools purchase local products from Farm Direct  Students strengthen community through events - 11 harvest festivals

4 Annual Report 2013-2014

Training the Next Generation of Leaders

n the six years since GMFTS was founded, we have hosted 28 Ameri- Corps members for a year of public service in school food systems as a Emily Mehr part of our Farm-to-School Program. Many have gone on to forge careers Will Carmines Preschool teacher inI sustainable agriculture, food, and education. In a recent survey of former Production at nature-based GMFTS AmeriCorps members: Manager at preschool • 85% of respondents feel that their experience at GMFTS influenced their Piedmont Biofarm career choices • 100% of respondents are currently involved in agriculture, food service, or education either personally or professionally in efforts ranging from Assistant Chef at a Preschool to production manager at a farm to preschool teacher

Andy Testo Julie (Jack) “I greatly look Cardinal forward to sharing Caitlin Emily “My interest in what I learned Lorenc Rose the relationship and experienced at “From my Event and between food and GMFTS with the experience at Outreach health inspired me FTS community GMFTS, I am Coordinator to pursue a career here and to help committed at Heifer in nursing.” advance the to beginning Farm. mission as a a non-profit, whole.” educational farm.”

Anya Gedrath- Smith “I have vivid memories of working in the school gardens in Khristopher Taylor Burt the summer months, and Flack Nutrition feeling so accomplished Assistant Masters Student while watching those Chef at a gardens grow. I remember Preschool thinking that I wanted agricultural work to always be a part of my life’s work.”

5 Green Mountain Farm-to-School Farm Direct: Delivering food from local farms to our communities Farm Direct is a regional food hub distributing local food to schools, institutions, and other sales outlets in northern Vermont. Purchased by 43 producers selling: 115 customers:

Dairy 59 Schools & Universities

Meat & Poultry 1 Hospital

Fruits and Vegetables 2 Correctional Facilities

Grains & Beans 10 Senior Meal Sites

Baked Goods 12 Retail Grocers

Participating farmers, 13 Restaurants on average, experienced a 278% increase in sales 7 Buying Clubs

11 Other

Total Sales $400,000 “We took a bit of a risk this year and grew more kale than $350,000 we had a market for hoping $300,000 “that we could sell it somewhere. $250,000 Last week we received a GMFD order that seemed to fall out of $200,000 the sky: 21 cases of kale. We $150,000 were ecstatic to learn that this $100,000 demand for local vegetables

$50,000 was coming from area schools. GMFD made it so easy. $0 ” FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 — Mary Skovsted, Joe’s Brook Farm

6 Annual Report 2013-2014 Vermont Harvest of the Month: Promoting seasonal foods in Vermont’s classrooms, cafeterias, and communities Vermont Harvest of the Month is a statewide campaign that promotes a different Vermont-grown crop each month and provides ready-to-use materials for classrooms, cafeterias, and communities.

During the 2013-2014 school year, 303 schools, retailers, and others signed on to the Harvest of the Month campaign. 62% of survey respondents reported increasing their consumption or purchase of local foods as a result of Explore our website and download monthly posters, the program. flyers, recipes, and retail ads.

“Being a Food The great thing about Service Director Harvest of the Month is “requires a lot “that it provides ready- and time is too made content, short to create every month, that I can new materials pop into a newsletter, use from scratch. The in social media posts, HOM materials and place alongside are beautiful, products in the store. Best professional, and of all, the HOM posters just what I need and logos are beautiful! for a successful Promoting Farm-to-School Farm to School at the retail level has Program.” enriched our customers’ — Erika Dolan, shopping experience. Food Service ” Director, — Kristina Israel, Waterbury/Duxbury Marketing & Education School District Director, Putney Food Co-op

Harvest of the Month (HOM) is a collaboration between Green Mountain Farm-to-School, Food Connects, and Vital Communities.

7 Green Mountain Farm-to-School The Lunchbox Food Truck: Serving local food to our community The Lunchbox is a summer meal program and mobile learning kitchen that brings locally-grown food and food-based education to communities in the Northeast Kingdom.

y serving communities with 50% or more of Note: This summer’s Lunchbox students qualifying for free and reduced price lunch, program straddles the 2013-14 The Lunchbox GMFTS provides free summer meals for kids 18 and 2014-15 fiscal years. We are Band under through the USDA Child Nutrition Program and excited to share early successes Caters: keeps kids healthy when school is out. from summer 2014 here, and All proceeds from look forward to including full special events data in next year’s annual report. support our free summer meal program for kids during the summer. Purchased 67% of ingredients from 35 local farms

1,334 free meals to kids 24 food tastings, attended by 469 individuals

74% of food tasting participants gave the recipe a thumbs up

“Today I learned “Loved the sample to always try new and demonstration, healthy foods” can’t wait to make “ this at home! I think — Student, Newport “ it’s just perfect!” — Parent, Newport

8 Annual Report 2013-2014 The Next Three Years

reen Mountain Farm to School has seen remarkable growth since 2005, when we planted our first school garden program at one elementary school. We are now a multi-program regional organization reaching over 10,000 children with deep partnershipsG at 30+ schools, 60 farms, and many other community institutions.

After our many successes and the rapid increase in the scale and scope of our work, we realized it was time to reflect on our strengths and challenges while planning for our future growth. In 2014, GMFTS’s board and staff leadership underwent a strategic planning process in which we took stock of the organization, developed a thoughtful shared vision for the organization’s future, and began to pursue the infrastructure and support we need to strengthen and sustain our work.

Our strategic plan identified four high level goals for the next three years:

Goal 1 - We deliver strong and high-quality programs Goal 2 - The organization is thriving financially Goal 3 - GMFTS has a high profile in the communities we serve and our partners appreciate our work. Goal 4 - We have an effective organizational structure and a healthy workplace.

Funding for the GMFTS strategic plan was provided by the Vermont Housing and Conversation Board Farm & Forest Viability Program. To read the full plan and objectives visit GreenMountainFarmtoSchool.org

9 Green Mountain Farm-to-School

Supporters

We are thankful to our community of new and long-time friends who have generously supported Green Mountain Farm-to-School between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014 as we seek to promote the health of Vermont’s children, farms and communities.

Major Funders ($2,000 +) Gwen and John Bailey-Rowe Joan and Edwin Camp Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer The Abbey Group Judy and Gerry Ballinger Megan Camp and Alec Webb Eden Ice Cider Anonymous Alexandra and Mathias Bannach Jim Campbell Spud and Kitty Edwards Area Agency on Aging for Susan and Roy Barnett Janet and Roger Cartee David Edwards and Karen Gallas Northeastern Vermont Barnett’s, Inc. Cellars at Jasper Hill Susan and Michael Epstein Delmer R. Barrows Charitable Linda Barrows Century 21 Farm & Forest Realty, Lisa and Steve Erwin-Davidson Fund Marie and Sam Bartlett Inc. Abby Evankow Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Fran and Ben Batchelder Champlain Valley Equipment Jeffrey and Maria Everett Community National Bank Sarah and Matthew Baughman Robert and Barbara Chappelle Bobby Farlice-Rubio D&S Distributing Bella Doni Pottery Chaput Family Farms Michelle Fay Food Connects Conrad Bellavance Christensen-Dunn Early Erika Fellinger Green Mountain United Way Don and Christine Berthiaume Foundations Fund William and Donna Fellinger Resort Julie Bomengen Mick Conley Norman J Fisher & Doris Fisher Newport City Renaissance Nanette and Steve Bonneau Nancy and Bill Cook Foundation Corporation Ben and Anne Bosher Jacques and Pauline Couture Heidi Sims Fiske North Country Hospital Marc and Laura Bouchard Couture’s Maple Shop/B&B Eric and Sepi Flachbart Northeast Kingdom Community Derrick Boulay Craftsbury General Store Barbara and Doug Flack Action Lauri and Mark Boyden Grace Crane Barb and Jim Flint Northeast Kingdom Fund of Boyden Farm LLC Amy and Andy Crank Brenda and Claudi Fort the Vermont Community Brault’s Market, LLC Christine and JD Ross Crowe Wendy and Alan Franklin Foundation Steve Breault and Michel Lemieux Donald Dahlin, DDS Riki and Ed French Northeast Kingdom Waste Heidi Brown Conrad and Connie Daigle Fresh Sound Foundation Management District Annie and Jason Brueck Jennifer and Eric Daigle Shari and Paul Gagne Jeff and Tracy Poulin James Burton Jr. and Paula Bailly- Lisa Daigle-Farney and Mike Brooke Gannon Peter and Diana Poulin Burton Farney Daniel and Maria Gerrity Poulin Grain Inc. Donald Bustin Richard Del Favero Dennis and Peggy Day Gibson Poulin Lumber Inc. Butternut Mountain Farm Derby Village Store Brenda Greika Charles and Violet Schafer Butterworks Farm Matthew Derr and Julian Sharp Deborah J. Gring Katherine and Nathaniel Sims Cabot Creamery Leighton Detora Genevieve and Ian Hamby Stony Point Foundation David Cacciamani and Mary Ilene Douglas Bill and Margaret Hartman USDA Agricultural Marketing Anderson Francie and John Downing Sally Harvey Service H.A. Manosh Corporation USDA Rural Development Hayes Ford Lincoln Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Oz and Judy Henchel Food & Markets David and Anne Holdridge Vermont Community Foundation Susan Houston Vermont FEED Law Office of Gregory Howe Vermont Housing and Donald Hunt Conversation Board Insuring Vermont, Inc. International Landscape Inc. Contributors Emily Jacke Affordable Self Storage Jay Focus Group Alan and Kathryn Aiken Jay Landscape and Tree Service All About Home Pete Johnson Christy Anderson and Kevin Irina Kadukova Gallagher Katy Kavanagh Anonymous (10) Brie Keefe Apple Ledge Farm Andrew & Mateo Kehler Jean and Nick Arcangeli Terry and Helen Kellogg Kate Ash Robert and Cindy Kern Audiocarve Mr. Michael and Rev. Louise Emily Austin Kingston Shawn and Kathryn Austin Frank and Alicia Knoll B & D Builders, Inc. Mark Knott Kim and Dan Backus Dorothy and Wayne Knott Merlin Backus and Rebecca Janice Kruse Velazquez Paul Labounty Irene E. Badger Louise Langheier Roger Bailey Carol Lawlor Caroline and Thomas Bailey Anne and Jack Lazor

10 Annual Report 2013-2014

Lintilhac Foundation Ellie Nina Roberts Pete Johnson and Eloise Girard Craftsbury Outdoor Center Eleanor Lintner Rotary Club of Newport Nancy and Rayner Pike Deep Mountain Maple Little Gnesta B&B Oscar and Sarah Round Lizabeth and John Snell, Jr Alyssa Delabruere Tom Liu Jan and Mary Jane Rozendaal Roger Bailey Eden Ice Cider Company Les Lockridge Joe Rubano Sharon Moffatt Bill Falconer Ned and Jana Lovejoy Laural and Tim Ruggles Katherine Sims and Jeff Fellinger Farm at VYCC George and Westy Lovejoy Janet Savage Mark Knott Jeff Fellinger Cherie Lowry Paige Savage William and Donna Fellinger Denis and Carolyn Lyster Patricia Sears and Steve Mason Jack Lazor Elizabeth Ferry Marcy E. MacDonald Hope Seddon Anonymous Foote Brook Farm Machejeski - Labounty Family Anne Segal Andy Paonessa and Meghan Freedom Physical Therapy Fund Katherine Sims and Jeff Fellinger Stotko Freeze Dry Inc. Hank and Jean Macler Katherine and Nathaniel Sims Liza and John Paonessa Doug Gimler Emily and Maclure Larry Sisson High Mowing Seeds Daniel Maclure Christiane Skinner Katherine Sims The Inn Nick and Megan Maclure Nancy and Rod Skinner Heidi Sims Fiske Jay Peak Resort Jim and Susan Malloy Lizabeth Snell and John Snell, Jr Jay Village Inn David Stackpole Diana Marckwardt Snug Valley Farm Jed’s Maple/Northeast Kingdom Marie and Sam Bartlett Isobel Marks Jon Somes Mustard Katie and Thomas Reen Bruce and Sheryl Martin Sopher Family Jocelyn and Cinta’s Bakeshop Marvin Family Janet Spring Jon Somes Salon Joan McAllister Spring Hill Angus, LLC In Memory of: Robert and Cindy Kern David and Dorie McArthur Ruth Sproull Robertus Carr Kingdom Brewing Lindsay and Frank McDonnell St. Albans Cooperative Hank and Jean Macler Kingdom Creamery of Vermont Tim and Betsy McKay David Stackpole Lago Trattoria John Miller and Jeanne Robert and Anita Starr Dip Davis Le Belvedere Desrochers John and Claudette Starr Anonymous Muddy Waters Pottery Steve Mills and Marilyn Beattie Durward and Lorraine Starr Napoleon Diette Neighborhood Greens Sharon Moffatt Bill and Mary Jane Stenger Conrad and Connie Daigle Tim Newcomb John and Janet Monette Andy and Kakki Stenger North Derby Berry Farm Thomas and Christine Moseley The Stuarts Gilbert & Florence Flint Northern Star Cruises Mywood Properties, LC Carl and Susan Taylor Jim and Barb Flint Northwoods Apiaries Newport Naturals Market and Café Taylor-Moore Agency, Inc. On Vermont Time Beth and Kris Norris Nancy E. Tessier Louise Marsh Parker Pie Co. Northeast Kingdom Learning Laurence and Barbara Thompson Emily Austin Adrien Patenaude Services, Inc. Judy and James Titus George Nelson Peace of Earth Farm Northpoint Chrysler Dodge Jeep Jim Townsend Heidi Brown Peak Organic Ram Roger and Pauline Vachon Pete’s Greens, Inc. Nancy and Helm Nottermann Ann D. Van Gilder Agnes O’Reilly Poulin Lumber Inc. Kathleen O’Reilly Dean and Pam Vervoort Kathleen O’Reilly Amy Rickman Organic Valley New England Lisa Viles Ridgehill Nursey Dr. Brent Tatum Origin Design + Communications, Claire and Brian Walsh Ellie Nina Roberts North Country Hospital LTD. Sarah Waring Kristy Scott Jon and Kathryn Osborne Earl Washburn Nathaniel and Katherine Sims Liza and John Paonessa Jacob Webster and Michelle In-Kind Gifts Software Innovations Passumpsic Savings Bank Legault Apple Ledge Farm Spring Hill Angus, LLC Adrien Patenaude Mary and Ted Wendell Ben Applegate Sterling College Bill and Martha Peck Jake and Cathie Wheeler Roy Barnett Strafford Organic Creamery Barry Pelzner and Debby Pollack The Wheelock Way, LLC The Bee’s Knees Sweet Rowen Farmstead Emma Pelzner and Kushal Dave Richard and Kathy White Bella Doni Pottery Tangletown Farm Andrew and Ernestine Pepin Katie and Sheb White Conrad Bellavance Andy Tetreault Molly Perkins and Jeff Kirkman Phillip White Berry Creek Farm The Farm Between Patricia Perl Sarah White Big Jay Tavern The Maine Potato Lady Pete’s Greens, Inc. Brenda and Gil Wierschke Bonnieview Farm Vermont Beef Jerky Co. Tom and Donna Petit Wild Branch Solutions, Inc. Boyden Valley Winery Vermont Compost Company Linda and Joe Phelan Ethan and Anne Winter Brault’s Market, LLC Vermont Cranberry Company Jamie and Jess Philippe Enid Wonnacott Brown Dog Bistro Vermont Peanut Butter Company Barbara and Benjamin Phinney Rick and Fran Woodward Katelyn Burke Vermont Smoke and Cure Nancy and Rayner Pike Steve and Brooke Wright Confectionery Vermont Soy Yvette Pollack Daniel and Becky Ann Wright Burton Hill Earthworks Vermont Switchel Dave Potter and Marian Woodford- Allen and Kathleen Yale Butterworks Farm Dean and Pam Vervoort Potter Yankee Farm Credit Charles Capaldi VT Peanut Butter Co. Gaston and Joyce Poulin Cellars at Jasper Hill Wayside Restaurant and Bakery Cory and Julie Poulin In Honor of: Champlain Orchards, Inc. Wild Branch Solutions, Inc. Couture’s Maple Shop/B&B Bob and Ellie Primeau Berry Creek Farm Bill Williams Craftsbury General Store Dexter Randall Grace Crane Dave Young Red Sky Trading Post Thomas and Katie Reen CMO-104 RE/MAX Kingdom Tom Liu The accuracy of this listing is very important to us. Please Paul and Maria Renzoni let us know if you can’t find your name or if you are listed Milah Winter Guild RG Gosselin, Inc. Christine Crowe and JD Ross incorrectly so that we can correct our records. Thank you! Chris and Amy Rickman

11 Green Mountain Farm-to-School

Financial Report

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014 As of June 30, 2013

REVENUE ASSETS Individual and Corporate...... $63,873 Current Assets Foundations and Grants...... $273,624 Checking/Savings ...... $74,024 Program Service Fees...... $72,990 Accounts Receivable ...... $1,855 Events...... $20,861 Vehicle and Equipment ...... $38,070 In-Kind Contributions ...... $11,725 Other Assets ...... $401 Total Revenue...... $443,073 Total Current Assets ...... $114,350

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Individual and Corporate 14% Current Liabilities Foundations and Grants 62% Accounts Payable ...... $5,308 Program Service Fees 16% Total Current Liabilities. . . . . $5,308 Events 5% Total Net Assets...... $109,042 In-Kind Contributions 3% Total Liabilities & Net Assets . . . $114,350

EXPENSES Program Services...... $343,840 Total Contributions Management and General...... $27,567 $500,000 Development...... $11,952 Total Expenses...... $383,359 $400,000

$300,000

$200,000 Program Services 90% Development 3% $100,000 Management and General 7% $0 FY ‘09 FY ‘10 FY ‘11 FY ‘12 FY ‘13 FY ‘14

Total Assets $140,000

$120,000

$100,000

$80,000

$60,000

$40,000

$20,000

$0 FY ‘09 FY ‘10 FY ‘11 FY ‘12 FY ‘13 FY ‘14

Vermont Farm-to-School, Inc., DBA Green Mountain Farm-to-School is a 501(c)(3) organization. Graphic Design: Newcomb Studios Photo credits: GMFTS This report was printed in Vermont with soy-based inks on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer recycled fiber.

12 You’ll probably want every restaurant in the galaxy to have roasted parsnips “with honey glaze! ” — 4th Grade student

Invest in our children’s future by becoming a supporter of Green Mountain Farm-to-School and our efforts to promote the health and well-being of Vermont’s children, farms and communities. Gifts of all amounts are appreciated.

Make checks payable to Green Mountain Farm-to-School and mail to: Green Mountain Farm-to-School 194 Main Street, Suite 301 Newport, VT 05855

or donate online at www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 478 Burlington, VT

Green Mountain Farm-to-School 194 Main Street, Suite 301 Newport, VT 05855

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802-334-2044 • GreenMountainFarmtoSchool.org