Dairy farmers play an important role in the fight against hunger. With NEFNE’s goal to produce 30% of Vermont’s food locally by 2030, we need sustainably and efficiently produced, nutrient-dense, accessible, and affordable food.
Milk perfectly fits that description, and Vermont dairy farmers are working hard to ensure food security for all Vermonters through innovation and community partnerships, helping to secure Vermont’s agricultural future.
1/7
Vermont children experiences food insecurity
Dairy Access in Schools
Vermont’s Universal School Meal program is a ground-breaking initiative that ensures all students, regardless of income, have access to free breakfast and lunch in public schools.
Introduced as a pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was made permanent in 2023 due to its significant benefits. Eliminating the stigma of free or reduced-price meals fosters a sense of equity and inclusion in schools.
7800
more students eating lunch
9700
more students eating breakfast
1,696%
Increase in local food purchasing by Vermont K–12 schools from 2010–2020
Food Security in the Pandemic
The Vermont Community Foundation helped support local dairy farmers and address food security during the pandemic.
Their initial $60,000 grant—in collaboration with Dairy Farmers of America and local processors like Commonwealth Dairy and Ploughgate Creamery led to the transformation of surplus milk into essential dairy products.
Additionally, the Vermont Legislature allocated $25 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to dairy producers and processors through the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program.
11,500 Gallons of 2% Milk
42,000 Cups of Yogurt
3,500 Cases of Yogurt
2750
Vermont students are drinking Vermont organic milk daily thanks to the Miller Farm pilot
Miller Farm Pilot
The Miller Farm Vermont Dairy School pilot program in the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union introduced students to locally sourced, organic milk in 2023.
By August 2023, six schools had transitioned to bulk organic milk dispensers, replacing traditional milk cartons. This change significantly reduced waste, and the cost savings helped to offset the higher price of organic milk.
The initiative was made possible by the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership and NOFA-VT, with funding from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.
“The value of what we’re trying to do is to create a model that can be scalable to other school districts.”
Harley SterlingWindham Northeast Supervisory Union
Expanding Local Dairy in Other Areas
Vermont dairy has also extended its reach by serving in health care, academic, and correctional facilities.
40.4
of UVM’s dairy purchasing meets the Vermont state definition of local
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is committed to buying Vermont dairy for dining halls, catering, and the UVM Dairy Bar.
UVM Dining works with dairy farms across the state, including:
UVM Medical Center
UVM Medical Center is committed to working with local food producers to serve patients and visitors. Its partners include Butterworks Farm in Westfield, Kingdom Creamery in Hardwick, Maplebrook Farm in North Bennington, and Cabot Cheese.
Correctional Facilites
Local and regional milk is now being served in all six Vermont correctional facilities as part of a new partnership between the Vermont Department of Corrections and the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.
As a result of this change, milk consumption in the facilities has risen, leading to an annual sales boost of over $188,000. Additionally, food waste has decreased by more than 64%.
