Vermont Business Magazine Hunger Mountain Co-op has awarded a record-setting $15,200 to 15 local grant recipients working on important and innovative projects addressing food access and local food systems.
Hunger Mountain Co-op’s purpose is deeply rooted in the belief that access to good food helps to create vibrant, healthy communities and sustainable local food systems. Each year, the Co-op encourages central Vermont businesses, organizations, and initiatives aligned with its mission to apply for grants from the Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund. The focus of funding is on smaller proposals for one-time expenditures, capital infrastructure needs, food access projects, and proposals from historically and currently marginalized groups.
“This year, the grant recipients include BIPOC farms in the local community. Khelcom Farm and The Flying Buffalo LLC will be getting money to help expand farm production,” shared Claire Wheeler, Co-op member and Chair of the Community Fund Committee. “It’s one of the many ways the Co-op works to address gaps in the food system and help lift up a really strong and healthy vibrant local economy.”
This year’s community grant recipients are Barre Senior Center, Bethany Church, Enough Ministries, Good Samaritan Haven, Greater Northfield Seniors, Green Acres Affordable Housing, Ishtar Collective, Khelcom Farm, Maquam Bay of Missisquoi Inc., Milk With Dignity Standards Council, Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Onion River Food Shelf, Schoolhouse Farm, The Flying Buffalo LLC, and Twin Valley Senior Center.
Since its inception, the Co-op’s Community Fund has awarded over $96,000 through 84 community grants. This level of continued support would not be possible without partners like Twin Pines Cooperative Community Fund, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, and the generosity of the Co-op’s members.
Five decades ago, a small group of central Vermonters came together to access the food and products that were not readily available in our area. Thanks to years of hard work and collaboration, Hunger Mountain Co-op has much to celebrate in its 50th year, with milestones of over $27 million in gross sales, 10,655 member-owners, 387 Vermont vendors, 187 employees, and over $80,00 given back through donations and sponsorships.
Hunger Mountain Cooperative exists to create and sustain a vibrant community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce.
