Food Connects has been awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Caring for Children grant. This grant facilitates the launch of the Food Connects Trauma-Informed Farm to School Teacher Training Project, marking a significant advancement in the intersection of trauma, education, and nutrition.

Building upon a successful professional development series, this new project, spearheaded by Farm to School Coach Sheila Humphreys, focuses on developing and piloting workshops for elementary school teachers. These workshops are designed to explore the crucial links between trauma and food, particularly in school environments. Emphasizing curriculum development, the project empowers educators to integrate a trauma-and-food-sensitive lens into their lesson plans.

"We are thrilled to receive this support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Caring for Children Foundation. It allows us to deepen our impact in schools and supports our commitment to both education and health," said Kris Nelson, the Food Connects Farm to School Program Manager. "By helping teachers develop these tools, we're creating a more supportive and understanding environment for students facing food-related trauma."

The grant enhances Food Connects' capability to reach a broader educator audience, impacting approximately 3,175 elementary students across four school districts in Southern Vermont, including the Springfield School District, Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, Windham Central Supervisory Union, and Windham Northeast Supervisory Union. Additionally, it aligns with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Caring for Children Foundation's priorities of ensuring access to healthy food and nutrition, promoting early childhood development, and addressing mental health.

Food Connects, with its mission to cultivate healthy food and farm connections in classrooms, cafeterias, and communities, has been a leader in the Farm to School movement in Vermont. This project further cements its role in transforming local food systems and enhancing educational practices.

The Trauma-Informed Farm to School Teacher Training Project is part of Food Connects' comprehensive Farm to School program, supported by a blend of foundation grants, state and local funding, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and organizational fundraising.