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The Tour de Farms is Just 6 Weeks Away!

We've got just 6 weeks to go before the 16th annual Tour de Farms rolls through Orwell and Shoreham on Sunday, September 15. Less than 200 tickets remain. Buy your ticket today to ensure your spot; we have sold out for the last three years! We'll have all the delicious, local treats to taste along the way: maple granola, maple cold brew, various types of meatballs, honey, cheese... and ORWELLIAN BUTTER! (Yes, it's a real thing!)

"Again, so thankful for all the buttons you click to support local farmers. Deep empathy and appreciation for the back-end logistics that ultimately end up supporting the soil and souls of this region." - Tyler, Visiting chef from California

The bounty of the season is bursting through the food hub's doors, coolers and van! We are moving the highest amount of local food in our history during these peak months of summer. Farm stands are some of our biggest outlets, forming a constellation of mini aggregation hubs of local food throughout the Champlain Valley.

Farms such as Champlain Orchards (Shoreham), Adam's Berry Farm (Charlotte), Full Belly Farm (Monkton), and Chamberlin's Farm (Underhill) are supporting this ecosystem of farmers, making local food of all types more accessible in their communities.

Big thanks to our summer interns, Bailey and Maia, for helping to make these deliveries happen!

You two rock!

Farming While Black Screening - August 27

ACORN and the Middlebury Climate Action Program are co-hosting a screening of this feature film about the rising generation of young black farmers. Featuring Leah Penniman, author of “Farming While Black,” and co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, this documentary reflects on the plight of Black farmers in the United States. From the height of Black-owned farms at 14% in 1910 to less than 2% today, Leah and other compatriots help propel a rising generation of Black farmers finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism — and its potential to save the planet. A panel discussion about land access with local Black farmers will follow, moderated by Samantha Langevin of the VT Releaf Collective. Showing this film in the heartland of Vermont's agriculture, where 0.33% of farms are Black-owned, is vitally important.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6:30-9:00pm

Where: Dana Auditorium, Middlebury College (356 College Street, Middlebury)

Who: The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

How: Please RSVP so we have a good idea of how many folks are coming

Flooding Resources

Trillium Hill Farm's crew fixing their road. From their newsletter: "This had only happened once in our first 15 years of farming, but in the past 13 months, it has happened four times. This disruption halts our harvest and requires time and money to repair. According to Hinesburg's town planner, we experienced a 500-year flood, and just a year ago, it was a 200-year flood."

"Our community is shaken by the disruptions and loss brought on by this month's rain and flooding events. Once again, VT farmers are impacted by extreme weather and face crop and equipment losses at the peak of the growing season. Now, and always, we advocate for our farmers and urge our community to show up for them. Let us be here on the days when we can celebrate the fruits of their labor and land. Let us be here on those days that shake us and remind us we're all in this beautiful, but wild place together."

- Jess, ACORN Food Hub Manager

Support Flood Impacted Farmers

• Donate to NOFA-VT's Farmer Emergency Fund
• Donate to Lewis Creek Farm's GoFundMe
• Donate to Bone Mountain Farm
• Donate to Joe's Brook Farm

Resources for Farmers

• Vermont Farm Fund Emergency Loans
• Agency of Ag Resources
• UVM Extension Disaster & Flood Recovery Resources
• High Mowing Seed and Johnny’s Seed Discount (20% off)
• High Mowing: Paul Feenan, (866) 735-4454 x115 or (802) 922-8267, email: pfeenan@highmowingseeds.com
• Johnny’s: Emma Golonka, call or text: 207-509-9535
• Farm First is a free program providing farmers and their families with support, resources and information to reduce stress
• 2024 Agriculture Flood Loss and Damage Survey
• The state is urging everyone to report damages to 211 to help Vermont qualify for federal assistance like FEMA relief for homeowners and SBA loans for businesses. The information will also be used to understand the scope of the damage so Vermont can advocate for additional help. There is a form for business damage and one for residence damage.

Throughout the Year, Buy Local

ACORN's Online Market is flush with summer veggies! For all your salad, dipping, grilling, canning and pickling dreams!

• August 1: The People’s Demands for a Just Recovery from Flooding - press conference on the steps of the Vermont State House, 9:30am
• August 5: UVM Extension is holding its annual crop contest at the Addison County Fair & Field Days. Submit your entries on August 5 by 12:00pm. Reach out to Abby with questions.
• August 6-10: Addison County Fair & Field Days
• August 10: Non profit day at the Midd Summer Market - come say hi!
• August 27: Farming While Black Film Screening + Panel
• September 15: The 2024 Tour de Farms in Shoreham and Orwell
• Ongoing: Our friends are mapping joy in the food system. Please help by sharing your joy! 

We're so glad to be in community together.

Enjoy these warm days,

Lindsey, Jess, Lilah and the ACORN Board

FINAL SHOUT OUT

Thanks to Christine from Tender Warrior Co. for this systems change illustration. Where do you fall on the scale? Do you stay in one place or move back and forth? If you're not on it, what do you need to begin effecting change?

info@acornvt.org / www.acornvt.org