With so much to share about what is happening with Salvation Farms, it is hard to know where to start. Our coming website will recite our history. In this blog we will speak about our present work and our vision going forward.
Salvation Farms has a mission to build increased resilience in Vermont’s food system through agricultural surplus management. We aim to be a proactive resource management organization driven by a vision to increase community food security, food independence, food access, food equality and food system resilience in the Vermont region.
Our vision is to build an agricultural surplus management system in Vermont through collaborative partnerships, responsible resource management that emphasizes community food security and independence while increasing the health and food knowledge for our state’s citizenry while investing in Vermont’s food system infrastructure.
Our Board held its first meeting on the 14th and adopted bylaws, elected officers, discussed our IRS filing for federal non-profit status and an upcoming research trip. We also enjoyed a hearty fall soup, homemade bread and cookies, some laughter and a look at our founding philosophies.
It gives me pleasure to introduce our Board to you:
Susan Bartlett, President
Dorigen Keeney, Secretary
Amy Shollenberger
Each of our Board members comes to Salvation Farms with a tremendous passion for increasing food access and sustainable agriculture initiatives, as well as just and equitable food system development. I am honored to have these incredibly smart, talented and compassionate individuals fill the instrumental role of our founding Board.
I’d also like to introduce myself, Theresa Snow. Hi!
As Salvation Farms Executive Director I am excited to explore the terrific potential throughout Vermont and establish measures to increase food equality through managing our state’s surplus agricultural products. I find most exciting the opportunity to work with so many different organizations, businesses, state departments and citizens to make the vision of Salvation Farms a reality. In Vermont, we hold the motto of freedom and unity; I believe our true independence comes through interdependence. Salvation Farms will enable us to put my convictions into direct action.
In addition to the remarkable individuals on Salvation Farms’ Board, we’ve also been blessed with the commitment of an amazing organization willing to act as our fiscal agent. The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) rooted in Hardwick Vermont will assist Salvation Farms by providing a conduit for raising necessary funds. As Salvation Farms is not yet a federally recognized non-profit, we needed CAE to help us receive donated funds. This allows contributions a tax-deductible status.
We are excited to work with CAE and look forward to future collaborations with them. As our history runs deep within the Lamoille River Valley and bordering regions, working with CAE feels like being warmly embraced and welcome back by family.
If you are interested in supporting Salvation Farms financially, make your check payable to the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) with a memo for Salvation Farms. Mail your support to The Center for an Agricultural Economy, Attn: Salvation Farms Support, PO Box 451, Hardwick, Vermont 05843.
Individuals with inquiries regarding this fiscal agent relationship can contact the Center for an Agricultural Economy directly at 802-472-5840.
For more information about CAE visit: www.hardwickagriculture.org
Please stay engaged with Salvation Farms as we re-establish our footing and build our momentum to move forward into a successful future.
In my next update I’ll tell you more about myself, our founding board members, our future work and my upcoming research trip.
Most Thoughtfully & Thankfully –
Theresa
Please note, Salvation Farms is private, independent in its operations and is no longer part of or formally affiliated with the Vermont Foodbank.