The Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) will thank Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy
for his long-time support for Vermont agriculture and culinary arts at its August 8th Forum at the
Shelburne Farms Coach Barn.
VFN Executive Director Meghan Sheradin states, "For over 20 years, Senator Leahy has
provided exceptional vision and leadership in establishing Vermont's vibrant local food
economy. We are pleased to honor him at our premier annual event."
Appropriately, the award will be a cutting board from the Vermont Butcher Block Company
inscribed with a message of appreciation. The presentation will be at 6:00.
Following the presentation, beloved food writers Judith Jones and Marian Burros will share a
conversation about today's culture of food and agriculture. Guests will then enjoy a grazing
dinner highlighting Vermont’s identity as an agricultural state and the farmer-chef partnerships
that enrich communities across the Green Mountain State. The dinner is prepared by 25 of
Vermont’s finest chefs and will feature agricultural bounty grown and raised by their VFN
farmer partners. Optional workshops conducted by food authorities, chefs and growers will be
held earlier in the day.
Tickets for this sell-out event may be purchased via the VFN website - www.VermontFresh.net
or by calling 802.434.2000. Price is $50 per person for VFN members and $70 for non-members;
membership is available to all. Workshops are an additional fee and range between $15 and $20
per person. The evening begins with a reception and hors d’oeuvres at 5:00 pm.
VFN is pleased to have the generous sponsorship support of Seven Nights, Sunward Solar,
America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Country, Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont, New England
Culinary Institute, Sodexo Education – UVM, The Old Tavern at Grafton (a program of the
Windham Foundation), Bob-White Systems, Black River Produce, Eating Well Magazine,
Fletcher Allen Health Care, Gardener’s Supply Company, Sysco, Travelhost of Vermont, Upper Valley Produce, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Vermont Butter & Cheese
Creamery, and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.
The Vermont Fresh Network is the nation’s first statewide farm-to-restaurant program.
Founded in 1995 by New England Culinary Institute and the Vermont Department of
Agriculture, VFN incorporated in 1999 as a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, and is now under
the direction of a board of dedicated farmers, chefs and consumers.
