Valentine’s Pancake Kick-Off Event at the State House in Montpelier, VT
Montpelier, VT — On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th, from 8-10am, the State House cafeteria served breakfast to legislators to promote the new project, Vermont Maple in Every School. This initiative connects schools with county sugar makers in order to bring local, pure maple syrup products and education into school cafeterias and classrooms.
Vermont Maple Syrup with heart-shaped pancakes were plated and served by the State House Abbey Group Management Company’s chefs and partners, highlighting Vermont’s farming heritage, and illustrating the idea that every Vermont school should have access to pure Vermont maple syrup.
“We are thrilled to be working with our partners to help make connections between students and local sugar makers,” said Matt Gordon, executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association.
“Maple syrup is a part of Vermont’s identity and showcasing that heritage with young students will keep that legacy alive in coming generations," Gordon said. "Our members could not be happier to help provide maple syrup at a reasonable price so that our state’s school food programs can offer pure Vermont maple syrup. We are excited to assist in providing Vermont’s children with an understanding of where their food comes from.”
Vermont Maple in Every School project, which has long been brewing with sugar makers and food advocates alike, is organized by the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA), Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets. This newly formed partnership is a shining example of how the state is connecting the community, the cafeteria, and the classroom to promote place-based education and locally-sourced ingredients for students.
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A partnership project of Shelburne Farms and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED) is a statewide Farm to School program that raises awareness about healthy food, good nutrition, and the role of farms and farmers in building healthy food systems.