Vermont Garden Network

The Vermont Garden Network is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to the growth and success of community and school gardens. Established in 2001, VGN has helped start and sustain hundreds of gardens all over Vermont and has connected thousands of children and adults to fresh, healthy food and sustainable food production practices. VGN provides training, resources, technical assistance, and funding for

community and school garden groups around the state. Students in our Community Teaching Gardens learn how to plant, cultivate, harvest, and preserve fresh vegetables and to use their new skills in service to the community. Our work is rooted in the understanding that community and school gardens have food security, health, social, economic, and environmental benefits. Garden education provides essential skills that people need to be active participants in the food system - to be producers, not just consumers. The results of growing food in community are impressive: neighbors develop friendships and support systems, children try (and like!) new foods, people of all ages gain new awareness of environmental issues, and neglected land is transformed into productive space that provides fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables.