Archives Grants

With the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, to offer emergency grants to small-scale farmers and food processors affected by the public health crisis.

To repurpose locally grown vegetables originally processed for cafeterias for expanded retail markets, and to plan for how the processing center can retain these retail sales beyond the crisis.

To respond to expanded demand for local/regional food resulting from the public health emergency, including increasing purchase and sales staff capacity and expanding cold storage capacity to improve efficiencies.

To adapt internal systems in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including pivoting a wholesale system to serve home delivery and curbside pickup.

To pivot to meet market demands arising from the COVID-19 crisis, including making warehouse improvements that meet food safety and organic standards and updating and expanding marketing efforts, particularly for COM’s “50 Small” cobranded product line.

To provide technical assistance to farm and food businesses, conduct food safety and worker safety training, collaborate to ensure emergency food programs include local farm products, and otherwise respond to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

To develop new and adapted programming in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including providing technical assistance and micro grants to farmers and supporting eight small stores in northeastern Vermont to increase access to local food.