Investing in Local: Our Future Food Citizens

Story originally posted by the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network.

As part of the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network, we advocate for the state-level funding of two key programs that deepen the connections between Vermont classrooms, cafeterias, and communities: the Local Foods Incentive and the Farm to School & Early Childhood Grant Program. It is these supports — in the form of funding, financial incentives, and technical assistance to schools, districts, and early childhood programs — that can be the difference between wanting to advance foods systems education and local purchasing and making it happen.

Every year, the Network organizes Farm to School & Early Childhood Awareness Day at the State House to show legislators the impacts of farm to school and urge for continued support of these programs. During the day, teachers, students, farmers, producers, school nutrition professionals, and farm to school champions from across the state testify and share how farm to school is making a difference in their businesses, schools, and communities.

We’re sharing the enthusiastic stories from Champlain Elementary educator Aziza Malik and her fourth grade students in Burlington.

“Food is a powerful connector. It brings my students together, builds curiosity, and fosters a sense of pride. I’ve seen students who struggle to engage in traditional lessons light up when they harvest potatoes, chop vegetables for a soup, or cook a meal they’ve seen in their own homes. These moments matter. They turn learning into something real and relevant.”

“My favorite school meal is macaroni and cheese, and I think everyone should have the chance to find their favorite meal at school. Some students might not always have food at home, and school meals make a big difference. How can we learn if we’re hungry?”

“Because of our garden, I know how to grow food, how to cook it, and how good fresh food can taste. Every school should have that opportunity and experience.”

“We grow our own food in our school garden, and then see it in the cafeteria for lunch. This year, my class harvested potatoes, and we made homemade french fries… Cooking them made me realize how simple it is to make real food, and I think it changes the way we eat. When you know where your food comes from, you think about it differently.”