FAHC Community Grant Awardees

Vermont’s Giving Fridge in collaboration with the University of Vermont Health Network Porter Medical Center Primary Care Middlebury was awarded $19,333. The Giving Fridge will be installed and stocked with fresh, nutritious medically tailored meals prepared by local chefs and restaurants. Patients experiencing food insecurity that have a special health need may be prescribed a prescription to access up to four medically tailored meals per week. The Giving Fridge not only addresses food insecurity and health, it supports local food systems and the economy by hiring local chefs and restaurants to prepare the meals using ingredients primarily from local farms.

Sheldon Methodist Church Food Shelf The SMC Food Shelf was awarded $19,333 and in collaboration with Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) will identify patients with chronic, diet-related conditions who could benefit from improved nutrition and dietary help. Meals kits will include healthy staples as well as other shelf-stable food items. NOTCH will distribute to patients during clinic visits and will monitor chronic care management encounters. Patients will have access to ongoing in-person educational opportunities at various sites through NOTCH such as nutrition education, cooking classes, and food demonstrations.

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund was awarded $19,333 for a needs assessment led by Dr. Deborah Kennedy will take a deep dive into Food Is Medicine initiatives across Vermont. The results will inform what is needed to create sustainable change from the individual level to the system level. The information gathered will inform what trainings and materials are needed to support FIM initiatives in VT, identify how well the current referral, delivery and service protocols are working and examine if the current systems of care are working efficiently.

Neighborhood Connections was awarded $19,888 to expand their Community Meals program in Windham county. Currently serving over 120 older Vermonters each month, Neighborhood Connections is integrating health screenings, tailored nutrition options and transportation support to ensure everyone can access the food and care they need. Through partnerships with NorthStar Health and the Mountain Town Connector they are enhancing their kitchen with new appliances to improve meal quality and variety, screening participants for food insecurity and connecting them with resources, providing tailored meals like heart healthy and low sodium, offering education from health professionals, and ensuring transportation.

UVM Medical Center Culinary Medicine in collaboration with Network Primary Care Mental Health Integration was awarded $13,734 to expand their Food & Mood program to Washington County. This initiative brings hands-on, food-based experiences to communities, using a mobile teaching kitchen to connect food choices with mental health. Participants engage in interactive sessions focused on the connection between diet and mental well-being, with plant-based snacks, mindful eating exercises, and group reflection. Designed to be accessible, community-driven, and adaptable, this program aims to reduce barriers to healthy eating while fostering social connection and wellness.

Green Mountain United Way  was awarded $19,950 to expand their food access programming for Vermont’s essential workforce, primarily serving Washington county and the Northeast Kingdom. Through CSA shares, free prepared meals, and grocery cards, the program offers affordable, high-quality, locally produced food and food support that is delivered directly to workplaces, eliminating barriers like cost, time, and transportation. By offering significant food subsidies, participants are able to make healthier food choices without sacrificing financial stability. This initiative is part of the Working Bridges program, which partners with local employers to support their workforce with financial counseling, resource connections, and food assistance. The impact goes beyond individuals’ benefit to a healthier, more secure workforce, and Vermont’s local food system gains stronger support as well.

Attune2Food in collaboration with Northwestern Counseling and Support Services were awarded $20,000 to address food insecurity and nutrition equity for children with medical and feeding challenges and their families in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. This initiative focuses on providing medically tailored meals and snacks to pediatric patients diagnosed with conditions such as PFD, ARFID, food allergies, and GI complexities. By improving access to nutritious foods and enhancing oral motor skills, the project aims to positively impact children’s overall health, including their neurological, immune, and digestive systems. Families participating in the program will receive support from qualified pediatric feeding therapists and dietitians, who will develop personalized food prescriptions to meet each child’s unique needs. The project also seeks to reduce mealtime stress and anxiety for both children and caregivers by increasing the variety of foods available and providing practical feeding solutions..