Danielle Pipher Vermont FEED Food Works at Two Rivers Center [email_address] (802) 498-8030 Food Secure Communities: Addressing the root causes of hunger through innovative, hands-on education in the classroom, cafeteria and beyond! Abbie Nelson Vermont FEED NOFA-VT (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont) [email_address] (802) 434-4122 Joseph Kiefer Food Works at Two Rivers Center Vermont FEED [email_address] (802) 223-1515 In this workshop we will share specifics about various programs in Vermont that work to increase fair and equitable access to locally grown, healthy foods as well as providing details about our educational strategies that support increased self-sufficiency, awareness and sustainability in the classroom, cafeteria and community year round. www.tworiverscenter.org www.vtfeed.org

Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) A community-based approach to school food system change in Vermont VT FEED works with schools and communities to raise awareness about healthy food, the role of Vermont farms and farmers, and good nutrition. We act as a catalyst for rebuilding healthy food systems, and to cultivate links between the classrooms, cafeterias, local farms, and communities.

Recognized in-state and nationally as the Vermont Farm to School program and is a partnership of three Vermont non-profit organizations: FOOD WORKS AT TWO RIVERS CENTER THE NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT (NOFA-VT) SHELBURNE FARMS Cultivating a conservation ethic Farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations. Planting seeds for a changing world

Vermont FEED acts as a catalyst for rebuilding healthy food systems, and to cultivate links between the classrooms, cafeterias, local farms, and communities.

Education as empowerment for equitable access to fresh, local foods.

What activities can we undertake to really end hunger in our communities? What strategies can we develop to empower youth, families, neighborhoods, and communities to reconnect with their food system? What does empowerment have to do with reclaiming our food system?

Teacher Empowerment through professional development

“ I don’t want kids to forget what real food tastes like” - Middle School Teacher

Student empowerment through hands-on learning experiences

Farmer and food service empowerment through connections and relationship building

Community empowerment through shared experiences

Building Connections, relationships and trust 2. Educating for the possibilities with awareness and seasonality of hunger and place 3. Investment and continuity: showing up, showing up, showing up! Empowerment through:

Building Connections, relationships and trust

Discussion & Questions