We are committed to serving local foods daily throughout the Burlington School District. To do this requires efficiency, flexibility, and dedication.
Products are sourced in various ways. We buy directly from Vermont farmers, through a food-purchasing cooperative co-chaired by our Food Service Director, and through non-profit Food Hubs that aggregate local product.
Though all these avenues are helpful in securing local products, our preferred purchasing method is direct from the distributor trucks. This efficient system simplifies delivery and makes product available to 125 schools throughout the state.
Local Purchasing (2013-14)
Farmers
- Fruit (apples, berries, melon) – $55,075.64
Champlain Orchards, Lalumiere Farm, Digger’s Mirth, Norris Berry Farm
- Vegetables – $18,721.18
Arethusa, Digger’s Mirth, ICF, Lalumiere Farm, Lewis Creek, Norris Berry, Mazza’s
Processor to distributor
- Vegetables (processed beans) – $6,817.14
VT Bean Crafters - Beef – $66,838.73
NPC, VT Slaughter & Processing
Farmer to processor to distributor
- Poultry – $9,185.16
Misty Knoll, Stonewood Farms
Producer
- Cheese – $4,015.74
Shelburne Farms - Bread – $145.71
Red Hen, Klinger’s
Distributors
- Vegetables & fruit – $552.01
Chappelle’s, Sunrise Orchards - Other (pretzels, eggs, coffee, cider, chips, crackers, popcorn, maple syrup) – $5,917.64
Distler’s, Speeder & Earl’s, Cold Hollow Cider, Branon Family Farm, Gringo Jack’s, Westminster Crackers, VT Smoke & Cure - Bread – $23,666.40
Koffee Kup Bakery - Dairy (cheese, yogurt, butter) – $29,530.02
Cabot Creamery, Vermont Butter & Cheese - Milk (guaranteed 90% local) – $138,107.42
- Applesauce – $4,913.75
Village Cannery of VT
Total without Milk – $225,379.12
Total with Milk – $363,486.54
Want to know more?
For more information about our commitment to local purchasing at the Burlington School Food Project, please contact: Sarah Heusner at sheusner@bsdvt.org
