Farm Stand Together is a charitable nonprofit organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Its unique mutual food aid program benefits the community by providing access to nutritious, locally-sourced food to food insecure households while also supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Farm Stand Together purchases gift cards from farms that have outstanding agricultural practices, particularly small-scale organic vegetable farms with an emphasis on soil health. These gift cards are then distributed to food insecure households throughout Vermont with no strings attached, allowing them to access fresh, healthy food from these farms. Recipients of Farm Stand Together gift cards can use them at these farms' full-service farmstands to purchase not just produce and meat, but also value-added goods like cider and frozen meals.
Not only does this program help to address food insecurity in the community, but it also supports local farmers who are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. By purchasing gift cards from these farms, Farm Stand Together is able to invest in the future of sustainable agriculture, promoting practices that are better for the environment and the long-term health of the community.
As a pilot program in 2022, Farm Stand Together invested about $10,000 to support families from 125 households across Vermont, with positive feedback from farmers and recipients. In 2023, Farm Stand Together has expanded its partner farms and looks to level up the number of families being supported.
2023 participating farms include Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne, Sweet Roots Farm in Charlotte, Head Over Fields in Charlotte, Hudak Farm in Swanton, Jericho Settlers Farm in Jericho, Wild Carrot Farm in Brattleboro, Dog River Farm in Berlin, and Roots Farm Market in Middlesex.
Overall, Farm Stand Together is working to create a more equitable food system in Vermont by supporting local farms and families, helping to ensure food access for all through sustainable farming practices.
