So, What is “Local” Food?

In July of 2020, Governor Scott signed Act 129 (H.656) into law. The biggest takeaway from the new law—the term “local” now means “local to Vermont” or “made in Vermont,” as a better way to define and distinguish Vermont Food. Similar to a New Hampshire law, its intent is to “protect the value and craftsmanship of Vermont’s food and agricultural producers and processors” and “celebrate Vermont’s brand and recognize the value of buying Vermont products.” 

So what does this mean for Food Connects? We deliver food from places like Keene, NH and Greenfield, MA, arguably more “local” in terms of distance than other places in Vermont. Well, we don’t see this law as a challenge but as an opportunity to better define, communicate, and source-identify the products we sell.

You will see us start to use terms like NH-Made or -Grown, or MA-Made or -Grown more frequently. And as we continue to source food from the Northeast Region, we will strive to better articulate the stories of our food producers no matter where they are from—stories of small, family farms, women and BIPOC-owned businesses, and eco-friendly growers.

And we recognize that on a personal level, local means different things to many people. We will continue to ensure that you know where our food comes from, whether it’s local or regional, and to enable you, our customers, to make the best choices for your businesses, consumers, and families.