Our Blog
Reflecting on how farm-to-school thrives despite snow
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
During the long winter months, AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinators are hard at work implementing programming in partner schools despite the snow.
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Help Green Mountain Farm-to-School provide fresh, local food and nutrition education to Vermonters in the Northeast Kingdom. GMFTS is a 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax deductible as provided by law.
Please make checks payable to Green Mountain Farm-to-School and mail to:
Green Mountain Farm-to-School 194 Main Street, Suite 301 Newport, VT 05855
ABOUT GMFTS
A leader in the growing farm-to-school movement in Vermont, Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) mission is to restore and strengthen local food systems in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont by promoting positive economic and educational relationships among schools, farms, and communities. We create healthy communities by working across the food system with capacity building, resource development, and technical assistance through GMFTS’ school gardens, Farm-to-School Program, food hub, food truck, and statewide marketing campaign.
OUR PURPOSE
The statistics about the health of our children are striking. 1 in 3 children is on track to develop type 2 diabetes. Researchers estimate for the 1st time in American history children will live shorter lives than their parents. Unless we do something to put this runaway food system back on track, we’re headed for the biggest and most expensive health care crisis we can imagine. 60,000 children in Vermont eat school food 5 days a week, getting more than half their calories from school lunch, school breakfast, and school snack. What we feed our kids in schools and what we teach them about food there affects how they grow, how they learn, what they will feed their own families, and how long they will live. School is where it all begins.
WHERE WE WORK
MEET THE STAFF
James Hafferman
Executive Director
Contact James at jhafferman@gmfts.org.
James became the executive director of Green Mountain Farm-to-School in January 2017. As executive director, James is responsible for overseeing the organization, developing GMFTS’ long-range strategic plans, raising funds, publicizing its activities, and managing its staff and Board of Directors. Over his 16-year career, James has held key leadership positions with a variety of organizations including chief operating officer of CLASP, an international energy efficiency nonprofit in Washington, D.C., where he was instrumental in managing and developing the organization from a small start-up to a global presence. Prior to coming to GMFTS, James served as the director of administration and development at Salvation Farms, a nonprofit based in Morrisville, Vt. that seeks to build increased resilience in Vermont’s food system through agricultural surplus management. Raised in a farming community along the St. Lawrence River, James has a deep appreciation of the region’s agricultural heritage and is passionate about food systems and building sustainable infrastructure. James lives in Woodbury, Vt. and enjoys hiking, camping, and gardening.
Catherine Cusack
Assistant Director
Contact Catherine at ccusack@gmfts.org.
Catherine joined Green Mountain Farm-to-School in 2013. As assistant director, she works in partnership with GMFTS program staff in delivering high quality programming, with an emphasis on improving food access, educating children and community members on the value of Vermont’s rich agricultural landscape, supporting farms, and building relationships to grow the reach of the organization. Since moving to Vermont in 2006, Catherine has advocated for equal access to healthy food and increased opportunities for all Vermonters. While caring for her two young children, she was a freelance health promotion consultant, completing projects focused on obesity prevention. She has a Master of Science degree in health promotion from the University of Montana. Catherine and her family live in Walden, where they love to garden, swim. and play in the snow.
Maire Folan
Farm-to-School Program Manager
Contact Maire at mfolan@gmfts.org.
Maire joined the team in 2014 to help lead the charge with Farm-to-School efforts, working closely with our fantastic coordinators. She received her bachelor’s from the University of New Hampshire in environmental biology and nutrition. She went on to complete her Registered Dietitian Certification and received a master’s degree from Green Mountain College in sustainable food systems. She is thrilled to bring her love for food and farming to GMFTS. Prior to GMFTS, Maire has worked as a naturalist for the New Hampshire Audubon Society, in research and development for Stonyfield Farm and as a ski instructor at Crystal Mountain in WA. Maire hails from the Granite state, where she spent lots of time in the lakes, forests and mountains. You might find her digging into Vermont soils, swimming in beautiful NEK lakes, hiking among the rolling hills or enjoying area ski trails.
Amrita Parry
Farm Direct Coordinator
Contact Amrita at aparry@gmfts.org.
Amrita Parry joined Green Mountain Farm-to-School in 2016. As Farm Direct coordinator, Amrita is responsible for managing Green Mountain Farm Direct, a regional food hub with a focus on bringing local food into schools, institutions, and other sales outlets. Amrita is from the Northeast Kingdom and earned a bachelor’s in integrated environmental science from Johnson State College. Before coming to Green Mountain Farm-to-School she was a fixture at Newport Natural Foods in Newport where she developed strong working relationships within the local food community. She is passionate about food, farms, and Vermont. Amrita and her son live in Coventry.
Jeyna Diallo
Consumer Education and Food Access Coordinator
Contact Jenya at jdiallo@gmfts.org
Jeyna Diallo joined GMFTS in 2015 as an AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator. She spent two years in this role, delivering in-school taste tests, organizing farm field trips, teaching in-class workshops, and maintaining school gardens. In November 2017, Jeyna joined the GMFTS staff as the Consumer Education and Food Access Coordinator. She will be coordinating several key GMFTS programs, including the Lunchbox and Vermont Harvest of the Month. Jeyna graduated from Bates College in 2015 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. She is excited to do her part to help sustain and grow GMFTS programs, bringing healthy local food to residents throughout the NEK. In her spare time, Jeyna loves to go thrift shopping, bake, read, and explore new places.
Edifice Jengo
Finance Coordinator
Contact Edifice at ejengo@gmfts.org.
Edifice Jengo joined Green Mountain Farm-to-School in February 2017 as the finance coordinator. Edifice is responsible for computerizing, classifying, recording, and maintaining numerical data for use in maintaining financial records in good health and in compliance with applicable laws. He is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and came to Burlington, Vt. in 2011 and moved to Newport in February 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Champlain College in Burlington. Prior to joining the organization, Edifice worked for the Vermont Interfaith Action, Champlain College, and Danaher Attig & Plante PLC as an executive assistant, finance assistant, and staff accountant, respectively. In his free time, Edifice likes to play piano, go biking, learn more about information technology, and explore the places around him.
Sophie Westover
Communications and Development Coordinator
Contact Sophie at swestover@gmfts.org
Sophie Westover joined Green Mountain Farm-to-School in November 2017 as Communications and Development Coordinator. Sophie is responsible for conducting outreach for GMFTS programs and services, crafting and executing organizational communications and marketing strategies, and assisting with fundraising and other special projects. Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sophie earned a B.A. in International Affairs from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon in 2015. Prior to joining the organization, Sophie worked as Associate Communications Officer at The Center for People and Forests – RECOFTC in Bangkok, Thailand. While abroad, Sophie gained experience in nonprofit communication strategies and became interested in how to best support local communities secure sustainable and healthy livelihoods. In her free time, Sophie enjoys hiking, cooking and exploring.
Hayly Hoch
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Contact Hayly at hhoch@gmfts.org
Hayly joined Green Mountain Farm-to-School in August of 2017 as an AmeriCorps Member serving through LEAP (Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program). As a Farm-to-School Coordinator, she works to strengthen community by connecting students and their families to a localized, sustainable food system through hands-on-learning and educational outreach. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Plant Sciences- AgroEcology, and has minor specializations in Horticulture, International Agriculture, and Sustainability Leadership. During her time at Penn State, Hayly led an initiative to develop the Student Farm at Penn State, which organizes campus community members to learn about, grow, support and serve local foods. Off campus, she interned at the Penn State Agricultural Extension offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and worked on small scale urban farms. Hayly is not a stranger to the benefits of Farm-to-School programming since serving as a Garden Coordinator at the State College Area School District through Centre County Youth Service Bureau’s AmeriCorps program. When she’s not in the school gardens, Hayly enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen, practicing her plant ID during outdoor adventures, and rambling for hours about beneficial bugs. Hayly is looking forward to a year full of exploring Vermont, potlucks, and learning!
Nina Daniels
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Contact Nina at ndaniels@gmfts.org.
Nina Daniels joined GMFTS in August 2017. As a Farm-to-School Coordinator, she is responsible for connecting schools and communities to access and education about fresh, local produce. By facilitating garden workshops, units lessons, farm field trips and taste tests, she encourages students to build a healthy relationship and wider understanding of their food. Prior to joining the GMFTS team, Nina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Wells College in 2016. Her agricultural background comes from working at a vineyard and small farm in central NY while in college. Last year, Nina served in Rochester AmeriCorps as an Academic Advocate, working to improve literacy and social/emotional development in elementary school students. Nina is interested in helping bridge the gap between farms and schools because of her interest in nutrition and its role in brain and body development in school-aged children. Nina loves to ride her bicycle, swim, and often finds herself seeking out new recipes. Nina is serving through LEAP (Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program).
Nicholle Gregor
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Contact Nicholle at ngregor@gmfts.org.
Nicholle joined GMFTS in August of 2017. As a FTS coordinator, she encourages local food consumption and awareness though hands-on educational programs such as taste tests, in-class workshops, gardening, cooking and more! Nicholle graduated from the University at Albany in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a minor in Art. While at the University, Nicholle was recognized as one of the student leaders in sustainability through her active community engagement, management of three student groups, as well as serving on the student sustainability council. Coming from the suburbs of New York, she is excited to experience all of the outdoor opportunities that the NEK has to offer. Nicholle is serving through LEAP (Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program).
Rachel Proctor
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Contact Rachel at rproctor@gmfts.org.
Rachel Proctor joined GMFTS in August 2017. As a farm-to-school coordinator she will work on educating our youth about the importance of supporting local food systems through hands-on programs in schools throughout the Northeast Kingdom. She is also helping to foster a connection to the land and overall healthier eating habits. Rachel graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Justice and Sustainability and minor in Economics. Rachel worked on an educational farm in Ashfield, MA for two summers called Red Gate Farm, where she lead programs geared toward helping young children ages 3-9 get excited about gardening, farming, hiking, plus learning new outdoor skills. She has been interested in sustainable farming practices for many years, working on programs like Vermont First through Saint Michael’s College where she helped educate the college campus on how they were integrating local farm-grown food into the cafeteria. She is now excited to learn more about Vermont’s local food system as it pertains to increasing awareness and accessibility for cafeterias in elementary and middle schools. Rachel is excited to try cross-country skiing in the Northeast Kingdom during the winter season! She also enjoys hiking, biking, bird-watching and photography. Rachel is serving through LEAP (Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program).
Nick Chmura
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Contact Nick at nchmura@gmfts.org
Nick Chmura joined GMFTS in December 2017. As a Farm-to-School Coordinator, he is responsible for connecting schools and communities to access and education about fresh, local produce. By facilitating garden workshops, unit lessons, farm field trips and taste tests, he encourages students to build a healthy relationship and wider understanding of their food. Prior to joining the GMFTS team, Nick worked on a non-profit farm in Boulder Colorado where he was an Environmental Educator. Nick is a two time AmeriCorps alumni. He served in northern Minnesota as a Solar Educator & Installer. He also served in Helena, Montana where he was the Garden and Nutrition Program Coordinator for the Helena Food Pantry. Nick is excited to be living back on the East Coast for the first time in three years. He can’t wait to snowboard this winter and start growing in the spring. Nick is serving through LEAP (Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program).
MEET THE BOARD
Hope Colburn
Treasurer
Glover, VT
David Stackpole
Board Chair Emeritus
Stowe, VT
Holly Wyllie
North Troy, VT
Steve Wright
Newport, VT
Amy Crank
Hardwick, VT
Sarah Baughman
Irasburg, VT
Merlin Backus
Westfield, VT
Colleen Moore de Ortiz
Newport City, VT
Steve Breault
Ogden, QC
Dr. Thomas Moseley
Newport, VT
Dr. Katherine Sims
Newport
John Castle
Holland
OUR PROGRAMS
Farm-to-School
The Northeast Kingdom Farm-to-School Program helps schools in the Northeast Kingdom build school gardens, source local food, and provide nutrition and agriculture education.
Vermont Harvest of the Month
Vermont Harvest of the Month is a statewide campaign that promotes a different Vermont-grown crop each month and provides ready-to-use materials for classrooms, cafeterias, and communities.
Green Mountain Farm Direct
Farm Direct is a regional food hub distributing local food to schools, institutions, and other sales outlets in northern Vermont.
The Lunchbox
The Lunchbox is a summer meal program and mobile learning kitchen that brings locally-grown food and food-based education to communities in the Northeast Kingdom.
GALLERY
FROM OUR BLOG
Reflecting on how farm-to-school thrives despite snow
During the long winter months, AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinators are hard at work implementing programming in partner schools despite the snow.
GET INVOLVED
Join us in our effort to build healthy communities through food and education.
Volunteer
We have a wide variety of ways of volunteer opportunities; some are weekly commitments, while others are one-time-only contributions of time and energy. All efforts are greatly appreciated. Volunteer opportunities include: gardening, supporting educational programs, marketing and outreach, special events, office support, research projects, fundraising, and committee membership.
To learn more about volunteering with GMFTS, contact Shane Rogers at srogers@gmfts.org or call 802-334-2044.
Internship Opportunities
We are looking for individuals who are self-motivated, creative, detail-oriented, and who have an interest in building healthy communities through food and education.
Internships are available in the following areas:
Each summer Green Mountain Farm-to-School offers internship opportunities to individuals who are self-motivated, creative, detail-oriented, and who have an interest in building healthy communities through food and education. Each internship is unique and tailored to best fit the needs of the individual and the organization. Internships can include working on food access, consumer education, or communication projects that support all of GMFTS programs. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Catherine Cusack at ccusack@gmfts.org.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment is available in the following areas:
AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
Start-Date: August 20th, 2018 2-week orientation
September 3rd, 2018 AmeriCorps term begins
End-Date: August 2nd, 2019
Location: Newport, Vermont
About Green Mountain Farm-to-School
Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) is a nonprofit organization promoting the health and well-being of Vermont’s children, farms and communities by providing programs to connect schools and farms through food and education. In the 2018-2019 academic year, GMFTS aims to serve school communities in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont with school gardens, educational programming and fresh local farm foods, benefiting over 5,000 students. For more information about GMFTS, please visit www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org.
Position Description
This position is part of the Lyndon Economic opportunity AmeriCorps Program (LEAP). LEAP is a national service program that places AmeriCorps members with non-profit organizations throughout the NEK of Vermont to support those organizations in expanding their services that many communities rely on. LEAP supports their members in their path to educational and career attainment through direct service, on-going trainings, and professional development opportunities offered during the service year. Position dependent upon LEAP federal funding.
The primary responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator will be to develop, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ Farm-to-School Programs. This is a full-time year-long AmeriCorps position. The Farm-to-School Coordinator reports to the Farm to School Program Manager.
Read the full job posting here: GMFTS FTS Coordinator, 2018-2019
Learn about what the AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator’s weekly schedule typically looks like here: GMFTS FTS Coordinator -Typical weekly schedule
To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and essay to jobs@gmfts.org. Essay topic: Please explain one thing you could do to introduce children to healthy local foods (maximum 200 words). Deadline to apply is May 1st 2018. No phone calls please. EOE
