Partnerships

VGN’s work is made possible thanks to the strength of our partnerships and collaborations with a broad range of local, regional, statewide, and national groups.

National & New England-wide

American Community Gardening Association: Our connection to the community garden movement nationally. A membership-based organization that provides online resources, trainings and an annual conference.

Kids Gardening: Another excellent nation-wide resource, specifically for youth gardening. Based out of Burlington, this non-profit has partnered with VGN on a variety of projects over the years.

New England Grassroots Environment Fund: Also known as “NEGEF” or “the Grassroots Fund,” this non-profit is an essential trainer, funder and general resource for New England-based grassroots groups. VGN has collaborated with the Grassroots Fund on trainings, webinars and funding programs for Vermont garden groups.

Shelburne Farms: is known worldwide for its Educating for Sustainability program in addition to farm-to-school and farm-based educational professional development and resources for educators. VGN participates regularly in their professional development for school garden teams.

Statewide

Composting Association of Vermont: CAV has found it’s way into the community gardening world through an ongoing partnership with VGN, including a pilot program, webinars and in-person trainings for food scrap community composting.

Hunger Free Vermont: VGN is an active member of the Hunger Council of Chittenden County, an initiative of Hunger Free Vermont which exists to increase food security in the community.  Members meet quarterly to discuss needs, identify priorities and devise solutions for reducing hunger in Vermont.

NOFA Vermont (Northeast Organic Farming Association): NOFA-VT, best known as a resource and certification program for organic farmers in Vermont, also has excellent resources for gardeners. VGN has been a part of NOFA-VT’s Winter Conference for many years–helping to bring the community and school garden movement to the fore-front of this annual gathering.

UVM’s statewide Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program is an ongoing outreach and technical assistance partner of VGN, strengthening the link between community and school gardens and EMG volunteers. Request an EMG volunteer for a workshop or other one-time opportunity at your garden.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets: VAAFM runs the state’s Farm to School Grant Program, which, starting in 2017, has involved VGN as a support for VAAFM Farm to School Grantees. Learn more about this partnership in this video.

Vermont Department of Health: Vermont Department of Health’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)-ED program supports our mobile classroom, bringing garden and nutrition education and resources around the state.

Vermont Farm to Plate Network: VGN has been a part of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network since its early years and continues to serve on the Food Access Cross Cutting Team to help develop statewide strategies for improving food access through community-based gardens.

Vermont Farm to School Network: As a key resource for school gardens, VGN is an active member of the Vermont Farm to School Network, currently serving on the Community of Practice “Ease of Use” Team.

Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day): Vermont FEED provides online resources, teacher professional development, and a New England-wide Farm to School Institute for school teams. VGN’s participation in trainings and this ongoing collaboration have provided schools with an comprehensive, team-based approach to integrating school gardens into their Farm to School programs.

Regional

The following regional partners offer a direct connection between VGN and regional/local community-based garden efforts, in addition to serving as go-to community food, farm, and garden resources.

Addison County Relocalization Network (Addison County)

Come Alive Outside – Marble Valley Grows (Rutland County)

Food Connects (South Windsor, Windham & Bennington Counties)

Green Mountain Farm to School (Caledonia, Essex & Orleans Counties)

Healthy Roots Collaborative (Franklin & Grand Isle Counties)

HANDS (Helping And Nurturing Diverse Seniors) (Chittenden County)

The Center for the Agricultural Economy (Caledonia County)

Vital CommunitiesUpper Valley Farm to School Network (Windsor & Orange Counties)

Burlington-based

Based out of Burlington, VGN is deeply rooted our community. These connections are manifested through strong local partnerships and local garden education programming.

Burlington Area Community Gardens: VGN works closely with the Burlington Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront and its Burlington Area Community Gardens program, which manages the city’s 14 community gardens. Among our collaborations include an annual training for BACG site leaders and garden space for VGN’s Community Teaching Garden at Tommy Thompson Community Garden. To register for a Burlington Area Community Gardens plot, call (802) 864-0123 or visit their website. Learn more about the history of community gardens in Burlington.

Burlington School Food Project: As the food service and Farm to School program provider in Burlington, BSFP provides direct assistance, planning and technical support for local school gardens. VGN has collaborated with BSFP over the years to provide training and support for school garden leaders.

New Farms for New Americans: NFNA provides growing space, education and training for New American farmers and gardeners. VGN helped to establish the NFNA community garden at Ethan Allen Homestead and has worked closely with NFNA over the years to ensure support for gardeners new to the New England climate and culture.

The Janet S. Munt Family Room: Starting in 2014, VGN has partnered with the Family Room Garden at the Ethan Allen Homestead to offer garden-based programming for parents and children.

Winooski Valley Park District: Host to VGN’s Community Teaching Garden and Family Room Garden program at Ethan Allen Homestead, WVPD not only offers land for gardening, but also community events around gardening.

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