Press Contact
Shane Rogers
Communications and Development Coordinator
srogers@gmfts.org | 802-334-2044
Fresh, Local, Free – Lunchbox Readies to Serve Summer Lunches
The Lunchbox food truck will be on the road again for its fifth summer, serving up free meals to kids and fresh, local lunches for three communities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
For many kids who participate in free or reduced lunch programs during the school year, the free summer meal is one of their best sources for nutritious food while school is on break. For community members, the Lunchbox is a fresh, local, and delicious lunch option that comes with an added perk – all the proceeds from lunch sales go directly to running the free summer meal program and help to serve even more children.
“The Lunchbox is there to fill a critical need for many kids in the Northeast Kingdom by providing a free local, nutritious lunch but it is also there for the rest of the community to enjoy as well,” says James Hafferman, executive director of Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS), the organization that runs the Lunchbox and its Summer Food Service Program. “
Hafferman says that one of the best parts about community members choosing the Lunchbox for their lunch hour is that when someone makes that choice, they’re not only being served something delicious made with fresh, local ingredients but they are also directly supporting one of the community’s kid’s meals.
“The food is great!” says Hope Colburn, vice president and commercial loan officer for Community National Bank who is based in Newport and a GMFTS Board member. “It’s local, well prepared, a good price, and most importantly, for a great cause!”
This year lunches for the kids and the community will again feature fresh, local ingredients from Joe’s Brook Farm in St. Johnsbury, Pete’s Greens in Craftsbury, Harvest Hill Farm in Walden, Brault’s Market in Troy, among many other, as GMFTS works to keep as much money in the local economy as possible.
“The Lunchbox is so much more than just a quick bite to eat, it’s a mission,” says Catherine Cusack, assistant director of GMFTS. “Every meal that comes out of the truck directly supports the local community whether it’s the kids, local farmers, or general community.”
2017 Summer Meal Schedule
Beginning June 21
*June 22 service will be from 3 – 6 PM
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