2011 School Community Garden Mini-grant Program for Vermont

VCGN partnered with the Vermont Community Foundation for this statewide, school-based gardening initiative that teaches Vermont children and youths how to grow fresh produce using land on or adjacent to public school campuses.

The program’s funding came from a federal grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), with the support of Senator Bernie Sanders.

The School Community Garden Mini-grant Program provided technical assistance and mini-grants of $1,000 each to support the infrastructure development of 40 school community gardens in Vermont. All 14 Vermont counties are represented among the mini-grant award recipients.

2011 Mini-grant Outcomes, Reflections, and Photos

1) The Gardens

2) The Results

3) Grantee Reports

  • Check out the School Community Garden Reports  to view 2011 project outcomes, reflections, stories, and site visit photos highlighting each of the 40 school community gardens mini-grant recipients. Reports are organized by county.

What is a school community garden?

A school community garden can be a cultivated plot with beds, rows, and pathways; a collection of raised bed gardens; or an allotment style community garden with beds and plots for community and school use. A school community garden relies on a partnership between the school and community for educational programming, and to ensure that the garden is well managed and maintained during the school year and summer months.

Thanks to Senator Bernie Sanders

Senator Sanders has supported youth, school, and community gardening for 30 years dating back to his time as Mayor of Burlington, 1981-1989. Vermonters are encouraged to send a letter or email of appreciation to Senator Sanders for his efforts to secure funding to support school community gardens in Vermont and nationally.

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