The accolades just keep rolling in! First, Woodstock Farmers’ Market was named “Business of the Year” by Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, and now the year round specialty food store was recently named a “Gold Barn Honoree 2016” by the Vermont Fresh Network.
The award recognizes chefs, food preparers and merchants who have significantly invested in their Vermont farmer partners.All Vermont Fresh Network honorees have to know their farmers and serve products from Vermont, but there are some chefs whose commitment to Vermont-grown products is exceptional. The Gold Barn Honor recognizes the top 25% of the VFN culinary membership in terms of the number of Vermont farmers they partner with, the diversity of Vermont ingredients they use and the volume of Vermont products they purchase. In an earlier press release issued by Vermont Fresh Network, the organization wrote that the chefs are an inspiring group who they are proud to recognize.
Other Windsor County honorees in addition to Woodstock Farmers' Market are: Coleman Brook Tavern at Okemo, Ludlow; Echo Lake Inn, Ludlow; Farmhouse Inn at Robinson Farm, Woodstock; The Inn at Weathersfield, Perkinsville; Jackson House Inn, Woodstock; King Arthur Flour Bakery and Café, White River Junction; and Twin Farms, Barnard.
Each Gold Barn Honoree must meet both of the following requirements:
1. Sourcing ingredients from 15 or more Vermont Fresh Network farmers.
2. 35% of annual food purchases come from VT Farmers and Producers or they purchase over $200,000 of Vermont- grown food products annually.
VFN - Transparency, Accountability and Integrity
VFN has fostered connections between agriculture and culinary professionals for the past 20 years based on interpersonal accountability – all farmer and food producer members have the opportunity to sanction partnership proclamations made by VFN chefs. Having both the farmers and chefs validate their relationship provides checks and balances one expects from a community. As a result, consumers can be assured that declarations made by VFN member chefs about their local purchases have been validated by the farmers that grew the food. According to data collected during our 2016 membership renewal, VFN’s culinary membership purchased over 44 million dollars of Vermont grown and raised food in 2015!
“Vermont Fresh Network members are an important part of building a resilient, human-scale food system that supports and strengthens the communities we live in. Rest assured that you will find Vermont grown and raised food in every member’s kitchen. Dine at a VFN restaurant or look for VFN farm and producer producers at the market and taste the difference!” Meghan Sheradin, Executive Director of the Vermont Fresh Network.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market - a year round, indoor market - is a trusted source for specialty and fresh foods, prepared foods, wine, beer and garden products delivered with outstanding service. Hours of operation: Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday 7:30 – 7; Friday 7:30 – 8; Sunday 9-6.Closed Mondays www.woodstockfarmersmarket.com (802) 457-3658