Vermont recognizes 12 school districts for achievements in local food purchasing

The Vermont Agency of Education, in collaboration with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, has recognized 12 supervisory unions and school districts for their achievements in local food purchasing through the 2025 Local Foods Incentive Grant program. This year’s awards mark a significant increase from last year, doubling the number of grantees from six to twelve as the initiative enters its fourth year.

A total of $288,338.10 was distributed to applicants who met the criteria for the subsequent-year grant, supporting more than $1.2 million in local food purchases by participating districts. The program is designed to support local economies while providing healthy food options for Vermont students.

“This program reflects what makes Vermont’s education system special,” said Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders. “Students aren’t just being fed, they’re engaging with their communities, learning about Vermont’s natural and agricultural heritage, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the place they call home.”

Districts that purchased at least 15% of their food locally received grant awards ranging from $0.15 to $0.25 per lunch served, based on their purchasing percentage. In practical terms, this translates to grants typically ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per supervisory union or school district.

The following districts achieved at least a 15% rate of local food purchasing: Windham Northeast Supervisory Union (25%), Harwood Unified Union School District (23%), Mountain Views Supervisory Union (20%), Mt. Abraham Unified School District (18%), Addison Northwest School District (15%), Central Vermont Supervisory Union (18%), Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union (18%), Rivendell Interstate School District (17%), Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (17%), Lamoille North Supervisory Union (16%), Essex Westford School District (15%), and Lamoille South Supervisory Union (15%).

“Getting to 15% local has been a steady journey of building partnerships and reshaping our approach to school nutrition,” said Scott Fay, Director of Child Nutrition at Essex Westford School District. “The Local Foods Incentive gave us the boost we needed to turn those efforts into real impact for both students and producers.”

Applications for the 2026 round of Local Foods Incentive grants will open this fall and are due on December 9.

Launched in 2021, the Local Foods Incentive Grant program aims to expand access to high-quality education by supporting schools’ efforts to purchase local foods. In its first year, grants assist schools in setting up purchasing systems; in subsequent years, funding is based on performance with schools earning extra funds per meal when they meet or exceed 15%, 20%, or 25% thresholds for local purchasing.

October is recognized as National Farm to School Month across the country, celebrating food education initiatives and efforts to bring fresh ingredients into schools. In Vermont, this coincides with the opening of applications for both the Local Foods Incentive and Farm to School and Early Childhood grants.