Two Vermont-based organizations have been awarded contracts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to serve Vermonters through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, according to an announcement from Vermont’s congressional delegation and the governor.
The Abbey Group of Enosburg Falls, which serves school and other cafeterias, such as that at the Statehouse, was awarded $5.4 million to provide food boxes to needy people from May 15-June 30. Willing Hands in Norwich was awarded $40,500 to implement its food box proposal. Both contracts could be extended.
The new federal program partners with regional and local producers to purchase fresh produce, dairy and meat.
“I am so proud of the Abbey Group and Willing Hands for leading these successful applications, both of which are a true reflection of Vermont’s collaborative and resilient local food system,” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said in a statement.
The Abbey Group will assemble local food products purchased throughout the state with other necessary items into family-sized boxes for distribution. Willing Hands Enterprises will work in both Vermont and New Hampshire to serve families in the Connecticut River Valley, while sourcing products from local producers and processors, including artisan cheesemakers, who have lost sales due to the pandemic.
— Sarah Asch