Created by Vermont FEED, a partnership of Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools and NOFA-VT, the Farm to School Institute is a proven professional learning model for growing robust farm to school programs that last.

Our model’s success lies in engaging whole-school teams in building shared leadership and capacity. Through action planning, coaching, peer networking, and skill building, we create sustainable farm to school programs that connect the dots between classrooms, cafeterias, and communities.

The Farm to School Institute Adaptation Program is an opportunity for farm to school leaders across the country to adapt the model to their region and grow farm to school in your state.

Join us to bring the Farm to School Institute model to your state.

Application Details

Applications for the 2024–25 Farm to School Institute Adaptation Program are now closed. Sign up to be notified when 2025–26 program applications open in late 2024.

We encourage applicants to read through our FAQ page for more information about the program, Institute model, and in-person retreat details.

Additional questions? Reach out to Director Betsy Rosenbluth at brosenbluth@shelburnefarms.org.

Our Adaptation Program supports teams in their efforts to adapt, develop, and launch their own Farm to School Institute programs. We focus on centering the core components that make our Institute model impactful, while modifying aspects to fit your local context and goals. 

The Institute's core components represent a set of effective, researched-based  practices that  form the foundation for an immersive, relationship-based Institute experience focused on transformational outcomes for schools, educators, and communities.

In partnership with USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools has supported 19 states in launching or preparing to launch their own Farm to School Institutes. You can be next.

Watch how Connecticut has adapted our model to meet their state's diverse needs and goals, leading to their first statewide Farm to School Institute in 2023.

• Attend an in-depth, five-day training at Shelburne Farms June 24-28, 2024 in conjunction with the Northeast Farm to School Institute summer retreat to experience the Institute in action. A pre-Institute deep dive into program components will be included, as well as a post-Institute debrief and planning session.
• Receive direct technical assistance tailored to individual adapters will be provided, covering topics such as recruiting schools and coaches, supporting a coaching program, budgeting and logistical concerns, centering equity in program and recruitment efforts, professional learning framework and evaluation.
• Join a cohort of four other state adaptation teams in a year-long community of practice. With Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools as host, you’ll learn from our resources, technical assistance, tools, and one another.
• Selected state teams will receive a $7,500 stipend to cover travel and other expenses.

Betsy Rosenbluth, Vermont FEED Project Director

Jen Cirillo, Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools Director of Professional Learning

Qing Ren, Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools Evaluation & Program Analyst