Grantees

The Farm To Preschool program goal is to increase the quality of child care in Windham County by integrating gardens, fresh foods and curriculum related to nutrition into child care programs.

Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) has operated a food as medicine program, Farmacy, since 2015, sourcing locally grown produce from Rutland county farms to support patients signed up through their healthcare provider. They plan to will expand this offering to 25 families signed up through Womens, Infant and Children (WIC) in Rutland county with a pick up site at BROC Community Action, giving the children and families access to resources and support in one place. These families will receive 15 farm fresh shares during the summer, July-October, and a monthly farm share Nov-May as well as nutrition and cooking education. Receiving the proper nutrition and eating seasonally will help nourish the children and set them up for success.

To provide computer learning stations for Teen Program at Milton Family Community Center, Vermont Adult Learning, Community members and Reach-Up clients.

A program for girls and their fathers to spend time together. At the end of the year there is a father/daughter dance.

Increase the number of preschool and kindergarten children who learn to identify their feelings and communicate them in positive and in appropriate ways.

This grant will be used to purchase equipment for use in the classrooms to promote the social and emotional growth of children ages 0-5.

Finding Our Stride (FOS) has been addressing the mental and physical health of VT and NH youth for 12 years, reaching over 3,000 kids, grades K-8, with free and accessible after school running programs. In 2021, through careful evaluation, FOS confirmed its meaningful impact on the fitness and social emotional growth of participants (more data below). In 2022, through a board-led strategic plan, FOS committed to growing its regional impact. In spring of 2023, due to a high level of interest, FOS will expand from 10 to 15 VT sites. FOS is in conversation with ten additional VT sites for 2024 and 2025.