COVID Community Resources
All around us our community is struggling with drastic changes in daily life that COVID brings. These changes are having devastating impacts on workers and families. We’ve pulled together some resources for ways to donate, advocate, and support members of our community here in Vermont.
DONATE
NOFA-VT
NOFA-VT has three programs that are currently accepting donations in order to expand their support of and involvement in Vermont’s food system.
NOFA-VT’s COVID Response Fund: Donations will be used to support the Dairy Farmer Relief Milking Effort, subsidize Farm Shares for low income Vermonters, and provide technical assistance to agricultural businesses that are currently navigating changes to their distribution and marketing channels.
NOFA-VT farm share program: Donations will be used to expand the availability of subsidized CSA shares for low income and vulnerable Vermonters during COVID.
NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund: Donations will be directed to farmers in the unfortunate event that they become sick and are unable to work.
ADVOCATE
Rural Vermont
Rural Vermont has requested a call to action and advocacy in order to lift the temporary suspension of farmers markets. You can help by contacting Governor Scott to express your support of farmer’s markets as an essential service and point of distribution during COVID.
EAT & SUPPORT
Sign up for a CSA
The loss of farmer’s market and restaurant sales due to COVID has created a distribution gap and loss of income for farmers. Many growers have responded by launching and/or expanding their CSA programs. Consider signing up for CSA as a way to nourish yourself while supporting the growers in your area.
Intervale Food Hub
The Intervale Food Hub runs an online store front from which you can purchase Vermont produce, meat, dairy, and other value added and prepared foods. Groceries can be delivered to all Burlington addresses.
City Market Coop
City Market is supporting three Rally for Change partners that are on the front lines of food relief during COVID; Feeding Chittenden, the Vermont Food Bank, and AgeWell. You can support these organizations by shopping at the Co-op and rounding up your grocery bill.
FOOD RELIEF
Vermont Food Bank
The Vermont Food Bank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization that distributes nutritious food to a network of 215 food shelves and meal sites throughout the state.
Feeding Chittenden
Donate, volunteer or host a food drive for this local nonprofit food bank that is providing groceries and prepared meals for families in need. There has been an overwhelming increase in demand due to COVID and they need extra support during this time.
Burlington Parks and Recreation
In partnership with the Burlington School District, the Parks and Rec department has launched an online form that families can use to apply for free and reduced meals to pick up at community sites throughout the city. Fill the form out here or call 802-864-8415 for assistance and questions.
RESTAURANT WORKER RELIEF
Intervale Food Hub
The Intervale Food Hub will be distributing free produce baskets to food service workers that have recently lost their jobs. If you are interested in receiving a basket, sharing this resource, or donating fresh produce you can contact Hannah at hannah@intervale.org.
Skinny Pancake
In partnership with the Vermont Fresh Network, the Skinny Pancake is providing free meals to restaurant workers that have recently lost their jobs through a program called ShiftMeals. You can learn more about receiving a meal, hosting a meal site, or making a donation by emailing shiftmeals@skinnypancakes.org.