Vermont First and COVID-19
During this time of uncertainty, Vermont First is working with Vermont organizations, agencies, and businesses to move local products to where they are needed. In mid-March, in an effort to #flattenthecurve and keep people safe during the COVID-19 crisis, Vermont campuses and most businesses that provide dining either closed or scaled down to providing only very limited services. Due to this, our food purchasing decreased dramatically and, in most cases, came to an abrupt stop.
Through all of this, the primary goal of Vermont First is to use Sodexo’s statewide purchasing power to support Vermont producers and Vermont’s working lands. Now we are working to connect producers who have been hurt by the significant reduction in institutional sales with food buyers in other sectors looking for more local products.
Please find below a collection of resources for many different audiences in our food system and community during COVID-19.
General Resources
Employment Opportunities
The Vermont Department of Labor created a web form for individuals seeking employment. Interested individuals should complete the form, and a representative from the Department of Labor will contact you directly.
To view a list of temporary positions use the link below keyword ‘COVID’
Farm to Institution
Farm to Institution New England created a spreadsheet designed to match up needs and surplus in the New England institutional food system. Examples of listings may include:
- Those with a surplus of meat or vegetables that need a home
- Those looking for local food to serve to displaced constituents
- Those with a need for extra hands at their facilities (milkers, kitchen staff, drivers)
- Those looking for employment opportunities after their institution has closed or reduced labor
- Those with additional storage space for food that needs to be preserved
We welcome anyone to add, view or contact others on the list directly.
Food Access
Vermont
- Vermont Food Bank - Vermonters Feeding Vermonters
- Vermont Food Bank - Access the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box throughout VT
- Hunger Free Vermont - COVID-19 and Food Access
- UVM - Food Access and Food Insecurity during Coronovirus Survey
Nationwide
- Healthy Food Policy Project - Municipal COVID-19 Food Access Policies
- The Rockefeller Foundation - Coronavirus and Food Access
- USDA - SNAP State by State COVID-19 Waivers
Consumer Information
Many restaurants, universities, schools, and markets have slowed or even stopped purchasing food, reducing sales for local farms. There are still many ways individuals can support local farmers and food businesses. Check out these options below:
Vermont
- Vermont Fresh Network - Support our Vermont Food and Farm Businesses
- NOFA VT - How to Support Local Farms During COVID-19, includes listing of Vermont CSAs, farmstands, home delivery options, etc.
Nationwide
Farmer Resources
- NOFA VT - Seeking Workers (and offering pay) for Dairy Farms through COVID-19
- NOFA-VT - Farm Distribution Matchmaking Tool
- VT Agency of Agriculture - Producer Impact Form
- NE Grass Environment Fund - Offering Grants to Small Organizations During COVID-19
- Small Business Association - COVID-19 Relief Options
- VT Veg and Berry - COVID-19 Resources for Farms
Health & Safety
About Vermont First
Vermont First is Sodexo’s commitment to the State of Vermont, our business partners, and the communities in which we live and work to support Vermont’s local economy. Through strategic purchasing and collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to grow market opportunity for local producers, stimulate job growth, and ensure the viability of Vermont’s working lands.
Our definition of local is: Vermont grown or manufactured plus a 30-mile radius around the state’s borders.
For more information and/or questions, please contact:
Annie Rowell, Vermont First Coordinator { Annie.Rowell@sodexo.com}
Credits:
Created with an image by Sven Scheuermeier - "Fresh Vegetable Produce"