Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood logoHow much local food are Vermont schools and early childhood programs serving and what helps make it possible?

This evaluation explores how K–12 schools and early childhood programs across Vermont are purchasing and serving local food to inform the Network's progress toward reach our goal of 30% local food purchasing by 2030.

Steady progress is being made. Vermont schools now spend about 14% of their food budgets on local foods—roughly $3.5 million each year, a 150% increase since 2014. Early childhood programs are also part of the momentum, with 71% reporting that they serve local food and integrating gardening, cooking, and food education.

The report highlights the partnerships, policies, and community effort moving this work forward and what else is needed to maintain growth. 

Published March 2026 by the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network.

Download the five-page summary (shown right). 

Download the full report below:

 

Educators School Nutrition Administration Farmers & Farm-Based Educators Informal Educators Farm to School & Early Childhood Early Childhood Elementary Middle School High School Research & Case Studies
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