The preschool class at Coventry Village School recently took a trip to Tinker’s Green Farm, where they learned about, met, fed, and pet a number of farm friends! 🦆🐐This farm field trip is a favorite for Coventry pre-k; they are already planning to bring another group to visit Farmer Stan again next year.

We had so much fun at the Newport Bike Rodeo on Sunday! 🚲 Our famous blender bike was a hit with the kids. We made smoothies featuring yogurt from our farm partner, @kingdomcreameryofvermont , located in Hardwick. Our Farm-to-School Coordinator, Lily, had to take turns pedaling - it’s hard work to make a smoothie, as you can see!

Last Thursday, GMFTS and the VT Farm-to-School & Early Childhood Network hosted the Northeast Kingdom Region Farm-to-School gathering at Derby Elementary School. 🍎 The event highlighted our Farm-to-School programs happening at North Country Supervisory Union and in other parts of the Kingdom. Educators, food service directors, nonprofit organizations, parents and students came together to share snacks, learn something new from the youth speakers and connect with others to support Farm-to-School work across the NEK. GMFTS staff gave presentations and 10 student representatives from different schools shared about their farm-to-school experiences!

And so the gardening begins…inside that is! 🌱Orleans students start seeds in the classroom grow lab to later transplant into the garden in June. Students planted brussel sprouts, cucumber, and different varieties of flowers in trays. They will then tend to the seeds inside where they will water and witness them sprout! Students learned how to read seed packages for planting depth, spacing, and germination times. Now, we wait!

A big thank you to @coastofmaineorganic and EM Brown & Son Inc. for donating the Castine Raised Bed Mix used by the students!

This week, Meggie and Hilary brought our Lunchbox food truck out of hibernation to prepare it for its 13th summer season! We can’t wait to hit the road again with The Lunchbox summer meal program! 🥛🥗🌯

From June 24th-August 14th, The Lunchbox will appear weekly at the following locations:

Tuesdays (11am-1pm) at Leach Public Library in Irasburg

Wednesdays (11am-1pm) at the Barton Public Library

Thursdays (11am-1pm) at Gardner Memorial Park in Newport

Mark your calendars and join us for delicious food and family-friendly activities! Kids 18 & under eat for FREE. Adult meals available for $8. Learn more at: gmfts.org

With 158 acres of farmland, @berrycreekfarm1992 is a staple of the Northeast Kingdom. Located in Westfield, Vermont, Berry Creek is a certified organic, family-owned and operated farm that offers berries, vegetables, and flowers through an on-site farmstand and CSA. Striving to always connect their community with fresh and local produce, Berry Creek Farm uses sustainable growing practices to ensure that their farm builds soil fertility, protects the surrounding environment, and creates a secure food future for the next generation. 

You can find Berry Creek produce at Green Mountain Natural Foods, @arborfarmmarket , Stowe Village Market and other retailers in the NEK. Or check out their farmstand, now open for the season!
#organic #supportlocalfarms

Last month, Jay Westfield Joint Elementary School visited Judd Acres Farm in Troy for a maple field trip! Judd Acres is owned by Travis, Jay/Westfield’s Maintenance Supervisor. Students learned the process of turning sap into syrup, specifically focusing on the boiling of the sap. After touring the sugarhouse, students enjoyed sipping warm maple syrup while snacking on donuts and pickles. Thank you to Travis and his family for welcoming us to your farm! 🍁