Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC)

The Farm at VYCC works to make a substantial positive impact on food access and nutrition education as well as agriculture and food systems workforce development in Vermont. We have developed, piloted, and continue to refine and expand the Health Care Share in partnership with Central Vermont Medical Center, University of Vermont Medical Center, the Vermont FoodBank and Hunger Free Vermont. The Health Care Share (HCS) provides food insecure families with local farm fresh food and nutrition education & outreach. In 2014 The Farm at VYCC delivered 78,215 pounds (over 39 tons) of food directly to 307 Washington and Chittenden Counties families at their doctor's offices using this unique CSA model. In 2015 the Health Care Share model expands to Rutland County and the Vermont Farmer's Food Center, where the HCS will serve an additional 75 families of Rutland Regional Medical Center. In addition to our food security efforts the Farm at VYCC aims to help train the next generation of agricultural leaders for continued food system development in Vermont. Individuals engaged in our Agriculture Leadership Development Program receive comprehensive training in farm management, food systems, marketing, business planning, equipment and infrastructure, as well as food-insecurity and the charitable food system. They mentor youth and help them gain skills in communication, teamwork, and accountability. Our goal is to prepare the best and brightest for the complex and exciting challenges they will face as tomorrow's leaders in food systems development.