Forestry grant, butchering workshops and help with utilities

Submitted by katie on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 05:24

Regional Forest Economy Grant

The Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) has announced the 2021 Regional Forest Economy Partnership Grant. This funding opportunity is open to non-profit and government agencies (state, local and Indian tribes). The purpose of the program is to assist rural communities, institutes of higher education and research, and economic development support organizations in their efforts to transition the forest-based industry and its workforce to a focus on new technologies and viable business models.

Grant awards range between $250,000 and $1 million for this competitive opportunity. As applications are only open through invitation, letters of interest are required for funding consideration and must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST September 10, 2021. Those interested in submitting applications are strongly encouraged to contact the NBRC program director in their state. Program directors are available to help develop projects and applications.

Learn more about RFEG

Utility Bill Assistance

The 2021 Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program provides financial support to customers who may face disconnection of service because of past-due balances for their electric, landline telephone, natural gas, water or sewer/wastewater charges. Vermonters financially impacted by COVID-19 (either directly or indirectly) with 30+ days overdue charges can get help to pay their arrearages for residential (both homeowners and tenants) and non-residential accounts.

Farm 2 School Network Gathering

The Vermont Farm to School Network is hosting an outdoor gathering at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield. This free event is open to anyone who is interested in learning about and advancing farm to school efforts. Participate in strategic planning, celebrate legislative wins, network with peers and enjoy the pizza and drinks available for purchase on site. Reservations are required. RSVP by August 11 to attend.

Event Date: August 17, 1:00 - 5:30 pm

Butchering Workshop Series

This series of three workshop will cover the basics of whole-animal butchery with both instruction and hands-on demonstration. Participants will learn how to break down beef, pork, chicken, and lamb into primals, subprimals, and case-ready cuts. Value added processing, such as sausage, smoked hams, and bacon will also be covered, with an emphasis on food safety, sourcing, and maintaining high utilization of whole animals. Workshops can be taken as a three-part series or individually by animal interest. The series kicks off with the introductory workshop on August 21-22.

Deadline to Register: August 11

National Farmers Market Week

August 1st marks the start of Farmers Market Week. This national event is a great opportunity to show how much value markets bring to our communities. Farmers markets have always been essential, but nothing has emphasized the intrinsic role they play in our food system quite like a global pandemic. Over the past year, market operators have quickly adapted to keep their communities healthy and fed. Join the countrywide celebration by visiting a farmers markets near you and supporting your local farmers and producers! Did you know that 3SquaresVT participants can double their benefits at farmers markets through NOFA-VT's Crop Cash program?