Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank NA recently presented a $2,500 donation to Common Roots to help support its food education programs for local preschool and elementary school children. All programs focus on transforming the culture regarding nutritious, fresh, local foods. Founded in 2009, Common Roots has worked with farmers, educators, kids, families and the broader community to enrich local food systems and culture over the past decade. It has five food and access programs, including Farm to School, Growing Gardens, Community Food Shares, Farm to Go and Land-Based Gatherings at Wheeler Nature Park.
“We’re proud to once again support Common Roots and its various programs,” Community Bank N.A. District Manager Erika Baldasaro said. “Since its inception, Common Roots has had a profound impact on our local communities’ food culture. Its food education program impacts how our local youth will view food for their rest of their lives.”
Through Common Roots programs, each month 1,165 local elementary school students receive hands-on lessons from a trained educator, taste test a local food of the month, and make recipes such as curried squash soup and fresh salsa. In addition, Common Roots has provided 5,200 farm shares of organic, nutrient-dense produce to families in need through its Community Food Shares program.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of Community Bank,” Common Roots Co-Founder/Director Carol McQuillen said. “Since 2014, the bank has donated $19,500 toward our programs. They have been at the foundation of our success.”
Photo (left to right): Community Bank N.A. District Manager Erika Baldasaro, Common Roots Co-Founder/Director Carol McQuillen and Community Bank N.A. Branch Manager Jonathan Roddy.
For more information on Common Roots, visit commonroots.org. For more information about Community Bank N.A., visit cbnanews.com.
Source: South Burlington, Vt. — Community Bank NA 3.27.2019