In Fall of 2022, Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT (NOFA-VT), Vermont Bean Crafters, and Sodexo/University of Vermont (UVM) Dining were awarded a $168,000 New England Food Vision Prize to increase the volume of Vermont-grown organic black beans into to the kitchens at UVM and other kitchens across the state. Funds were used to invest in equipment and infrastructure for Vermont farmers to start planting and harvesting organic black beans. This project could not have moved forward without the support of many, including Joe Bossen (Vermont Bean Crafters), Chris Brittain, Annie Rowell, and Nicole Reilly (Sodexo Vermont First) as well as several technical assistance providers.
The New England Food Vision Prize launched in 2018 by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation aims to build resilience and strengthen the regional food system by increasing the amount of local and regional food served in New England K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities.
We’re pleased to share the “Good For the Gut” video, summarizing the impact of this project so far. A large thanks to Nathan Stevens, the Director of Retail and Catering Operations at Sodexo/UVM Dining for his expertise in film and editing and to Nicole Reilly, Sustainability and Campus Partnerships Manager at Sodexo/UVM Dining for interviewing the project partners and guiding the video project to completion. We look forward to sharing more about the project as it unfolds!