What Is The Food Funders Network?
In 2008 the Vermont Community Foundation convened a group of nine foundations and three VCF fundholders interested in food system issues in the state, resulting in the creation of the Food Funders Network.

The purpose of the Network is to build relationships, mutual understanding, knowledge, and awareness of issues to ensure that we are making the most effective and best leveraged use of our philanthropic dollars to achieve desired outcomes. The group communicates online and meets to discuss current food system issues.

The Network, including the Highmeadows Fund, the Castanea Foundation, and the John Merck Fund, was instrumental in winning the legislature's approval and funding for the Farm to Plate (F2P) Initiative in 2009.

Other Foundation Work Related to Food System Issues

• Partnership with Senator Sanders and Burlington Gardens:  We are currently working with Senator Sanders Office and Burlington Gardens on $125,000 in federal funding that will be used to support education and the development of community gardens around the state.
• Partnership with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture:  The Agency will be matching some of our agriculture-related grants awarded through our 2009 Spring and Fall Community Fund grant rounds. The individual match will be up to $5,000 and total matching funds will be up $50,000.
• The Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council:  The Vermont Community Foundation currently represents the philanthropic community on the council.
• $48,500 in grants awarded to Food and Farms related organizations in our 2009 Spring Community Fund grant round.