Liberal Forum

--------------------These funds have supported farms and organizations’ capacity to buoy their communities through post-COVID difficulties and multiple natural disasters,” the state added. “These funds have increased resilience across many of Vermont’s diverse communities not just in supply chains, but in connecting communities to each other and to nourishing food.”

About $994,200 of the funds the USDA cut was to go to school districts to purchase food from farmers and $277,850 was slated for early child care centers. Other funding was set for “food access projects,” including free CSA shares and food pantries, all tasked with purchasing food from farmers across Vermont.

“One hundred percent of the $1.2 million was dedicated to food purchases, and would have gone directly into the hands of Vermont farmers and producers,” according to a presentation from the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network, which held a Zoom meeting Wednesday to discuss the impact of the cuts. The call included farmers, as well as representatives from food hubs and other organizations that will be affected by the cuts.

“Every dollar spent on local food generates an additional $1.60 in economic activity for Vermont,” according to the network. “This funding would have benefited farmers, food hubs, distributors, local processors, and rural communities, keeping money