United Way of Lamoille County (UWLC) owns a historic barn in downtown Morrisville. Through a blossoming partnership with Salvation Farms, it became clear that if renovated, this space could be used to improve community-wide health. It is the perfect size to house the Salvation Farms Lamoille Valley Gleaning program, allowing the program to increase the amount of produce it handles and diversify its distribution methods.
Salvation Farms is a local non-profit dedicated to reducing food loss on farms and increasing the use of locally grown foods. Based on a 2016 study conducted by Salvation Farms, it was calculated that nearly 1 million pounds of edible produce are lost on Lamoille Valley farms annually; an area where roughly 12% of the population, or 6,000 individuals, are experiencing food insecurity. In response to this, Salvation Farms’ Lamoille Valley Gleaning program serves the community by moving unsold produce from local farms to those who need it most: the young, the sick, the elderly, and those experiencing food insecurity.
Salvation Farms’ Glean Team had an incredibly productive season. Together, they made sure local farm fresh food nourished neighbors
across the Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille Valley, reaching meal sites,food shelves, early childhood programs, and recovery centers when it was needed most.
• 73,281 pounds of gleaned food from 40 farms destined for 63 recipient sites
• 137 volunteers providing just under 500 hours of service
• On the Horizon for 2025: Emergency Response Planning for flooding and other climate related events, information packets for farms and food recipient sites, adding on additional farms in the Lamoille Valley, and improving our operations to ensure greater food safety, farm and volunteer experiences.
Salvation Farms’ Processing Program united people, food, and purpose to transform surplus crops into nourishing, ready-to-use vegetables. From piloting high-volume production with the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s Just Cut Program to co-hosting cooking workshops with Jenna’s Promise residents, every effort was grounded in care, learning, and collaboration.
• 4,866 pounds of processed food including 17 different crop varieties done wit the support of 114 volunteer hours
• Partnering with women in recovery through Jenna’s Promise, we did cooking classes with end product distributed to food sites - 60 quarts of squash soup and 50 pints of salsa.
• On the Horizon for 2025: Prepping for the full relaunch of our processing program - Hiring, fundraising, business and operations plans!
“I see the appreciation and gratitude. The food I deliver make a difference in people’s lives. Food that was destined for the landfill winds up in someone’s belly. Money was saved. Waste was prevented. What’s not to like?” - Kevin Lane, volunteer
“I love working with you and appreciate our similar goal to feed ALL of our community.”
- Michelle Larocque-Tipton, owner/operator of Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow
“I love the fact that gleaned produce goes straight to people with food insecurity through our meals.” - Anna Kennedy, Saint Johnsbury Community Hub
Salvation Farms’ Processing Hub will be a game-changer for Vermont’s farms and families.
For Farmers: Turns surplus into opportunity providing added income from crops that might otherwise go to waste, while lifting the burden of finding and managing new markets.
For Institutions: Makes it easier and more affordable for schools and other institutions to serve fresh, local food. Extending the season, reducing prep time, and sourcing from Vermont farms.
For Eaters: Ensures more Vermonters, especially those facing hardship, have access to nourishing, local food. While building climate resilience and creating meaningful jobs in Vermont’s growing food economy.
To learn more about the work that Salvation Farms does visit their website.
