Grant Program Regional Food Systems

To create a reliable sales channel for locally sourced and locally produced food into institutions as a means for building a just, sustainable regional food economy.

To restore management and organizational stability by resetting Red Tomato’s strategic plan in tight alignment with a staffing and workforce plan, relocating offices, and supporting a leadership transition with training and coaching.

To convince the food service industry to source regional and sustainable food, and set a new norm for procurement that ensures the industry invests in a real food economy.

To develop strategies, materials, and trainings to better facilitate sustainable trade relationships between Vermont’s farmers and wholesale/institutional buyers.

To launch a processors collective to expand the scale and reach of regional food processors that source locally and provide the $15 minimum wage, thereby providing a piece of the infrastructure needed to achieve the New England Food Vision.

To work toward sustainability and systems change for New Hampshire farmers and food producers through financial literacy training, expanding market channels, and connecting farms with agricultural financiers.

To better support New England food producers by increasing inter-food hub transactions and sales by $150,000 and envisioning the future of the New England Food Hub Network.

To grow new local food supply chains for institutions in Rhode Island and track and communicate about progress toward key metrics outlined in the Rhode Island Food Strategy.

To implement key projects related to Food Solutions New England’s three core strategies, build network leadership, and further racial equity in New England’s food system.

To develop effective tools, resources, and policy recommendations to open institutional markets to regional farmers and food producers, particularly within higher education.