This month, Food Connects team members Jake and Ramelle attended the Vermont Cheese Summit, hosted by The Vermont Cheese Council at Basin Harbor Resort in Vergennes, VT. The Cheese Council represents cheesemakers throughout Vermont who are committed to producing exceptional cheese while promoting its image of premier cheese. They host educational events for the public and food professionals to explore the art and science of artisan and farmstead cheeses made in the state.

The day featured a variety of panels and industry talks focused on topics ranging from effective sales strategies to sustainable packaging methods. It was a fantastic opportunity for networking, as Jake and Ramelle made connections with potential new vendors and cheese enthusiasts alike.

At the Food Connects table, attendees enjoyed cheese samples from Cobb Hill Creamery (Hartland, VT), 5 Generations Creamery (West Chesterfield, VT), and Blue Ledge Farm (Salisbury, VT). These delicious cheeses were artfully paired with other Food Hub products, including Singing Pastures Pineapple Roam Sticks, Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies, Brewer’s Crackers, and Karen’s Maple Kettle Bliss Popcorn, creating a delightful spread.

Building collaborations with producers to bring their products to local markets is essential for fostering success in Vermont’s food economy. The event exemplified the importance of our growing local food system in our regional economy - perhaps best summarized by a Vermont Creamery pin featuring the slogan: “Dairy to Dream”.