Healthy Kids, Healthy Foods, Healthy Farms

Common Roots, Inc.The Homestead at Wheeler Nature Park | PO Box 9335 | South Burlington VT 05403

www.commonroots.org | info@commonroots.org | 802.652.0188

Acknowledgments

Credits: Photos on slides 2, 3 (cherry tomatoes & squash blossom), 10 (basil), 11-13 (all), 16, 21 (Swiss chard leaves), 44 copyright©2016 by Kindle Loomis. Used by permission. Photo on slide 7 copyright©2016 by Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist. Used by permission.

With appreciation to Lindie Rheeder, for creating this presentation as part of her UVM Food Systems Internship experience, Winter Session, December 2015–January 2016.

Who We Are

Common Roots connects farmers, educators, youth, families, and the wider community in building a

sustainable future through place-based education and service programs. By collectively growing food for our schools, families, and food shelves, we celebrate the

soil and soul of community. Our stewardship provides food security, affirms our local environment, and

nurtures our common roots. By collectively growing food for our schools, families, and food shelves, we

celebrate the soil and soul of community.

What We Do҉CProvide community-

based programming to strengthen food security and local food systems

҉CPromote food and nutrition awareness through hands-on, place-based learning

What We Do҉CAdvocate for improved

school food systems

҉CSupport sustainable local agriculture

҉CCultivate partnerships that strengthen food security and create community

What We Do҉CSupport community engagement through internships

and service learning opportunities

Farm to School intern Mia Finkle introduces first grader students to cabbage! (Photo: Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist)

What We Do҉CProvide place-based

education programs that support youth in growing as responsible global citizens

҉CParticipate in natural resource planning for ecosystem stewardship

“Common Roots is a true grassroots organization . . . I am inspired by all that this organization has accomplished.”

– David Hollenbeck The Lattner Family Foundation

“Common Roots counters my environmental and personal worries for the future, showing a passion for active community, relationship building, creativity, and change. It simply makes the world a little more beautiful with each program offered.”

– Lauren, UVM student

Community (noun)-a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

Pictured: Community gardens at Wheeler Nature Park, where Common Roots shares space in a 100+ year-old farmhouse

2005 A few dozen community members have a conversation about health, nutrition, and food systems.

They develop a strategic plan for supporting a local, sustainable food system . . .

2006

2007 . . . and begin planning a Farm to School program.

Our Timeline

2008 Common Roots launches its first program, Community Food Shares, providing organic CSA shares to 11 families in need . . .

2009 . . . implements the K–5 Farm to School program and Growing Gardens at Bread & Butter Farm . . .

2010 . . . and launches Farm to Go at the middle school. Community Food Shares more than doubles the number of families served, and Growing Gardens moves to a half acre at the Farm at South Village.

Our Timeline

2011 With four programs underway, Common Roots makes plans for number 5 . . .

2012 . . . and takes over management of the South Burlington Farmers Market.

2013 Common Roots brings nationally recognized POP Club (Power of Produce) to the Farmers Market, empowering youth to make healthy food choices.

Our Timeline

2014 With six core programs in place, Common Roots hires its first program director . . .

2015 . . . and moves into its first home: the Homestead at Wheeler Nature Park, 1100 Dorset St., South Burlington, Vermont.

Our Timeline

Common Roots by the Numbers

• 900+ K–5 students receiving Farm to School lessons each month and discovering they like kale, cabbage, and more!

• 1,550 meals prepared by middle school students to share with their families

• 16% increase in one year of fresh, local foods purchased by Nutritional Services

• 200 POP Club members discovering that fresh, local fruits and vegetables taste great!

Common Roots by the Numbers

• $300,000 kept in the local economy in 4 years of Farmers Markets

• 52 weeks a year of increased access to healthy food for local families

• 30 organic raised beds serving as an outdoor agriculture education classroom

• 380+ pounds of fresh produce harvested this season for community programs

Program Highlights 2015

Farm to School

• Students in grades K–5 classrooms are discovering they like kale, cabbage, and more!

• From September through May in South Burlington elementary schools, Farm to School educator Lizzie Bogosian and interns from UVM’s Food Systems Internship Program engage 900+ students in trying new foods, learning about food systems, and developing lifelong healthy eating habits.

“I wish we had Farm to School every week!” – 5th grade student

“It’s a very worthwhile program. Keep it coming!” – Classroom teacher

“We made the kale salad at home, and guess what — my family loved it!” – 2nd grade student

“I’d give this black bean dip we made 100%!” – 1st grade student

Farm to Go• This program inspires young chefs (grades 6-8) and

nurtures family relationships.

• Students learn about where their food is sourced and how it is raised.

• Each week during this six-week program, students bring home a complete healthy meal to enjoy with their families.

Farm to Go

• Students learn cooking techniques as they prepare nutritious meals to enjoy with their families.

• They collaborate, build confidence, use their creativity, and have fun as they learn about farm and food connections and develop valuable life skills.

“My dad and I cook dinner together almost every day now.” – 8th grade student

Growing Gardens • Passionate educators engage

student in hands-on agriculture lessons and food production as they plant and tend 30 organic raised beds at the Farm at South Village.

• Students sample Swiss chard, plant spinach, notice whencucumbers on the vine are “just right,” and discover that tomatoes taste “soooo good!”

Growing Gardens

“Can you believe we grew all these veggies?” – 3rd grade student

Community Food Shares (CFS)

• Community Food Shares focuses on improving food security for local families, while sharing the abundance of our fields and community spirit.

• New! Participants now use coupons bearing monetary value to use at the Farmers Market.

• Families can purchase an expanded selection of nutritious foods that best meet their needs— fresh produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chickens, free-range eggs, and more.

Community Food Shares• CFS expanded to a year-round

program in November 2014.

• How is CFS helping?“We are able to shop for foods at

the Farmers Market that we normally couldn’t afford.”

“The food share through Common Roots has been a godsend to our family’s

goal of eating healthier.”

“My family is able to enjoy locally grown food.”

South Burlington Farmers Market• Brings together family and

friends in celebration of local agriculture, artisans, and community

• Supports the Community Food Shares Program

• Features POP Club for kids, live music, fun activities, and more!

South Burlington Farmers Market• New in 2015: the Market moved to a new location,

155 Dorset Street, and enjoyed its first indoor season at the University Mall!

South Burlington Farmers Market

POP Club (Power of Produce)

If you were a child, how would you spend $3?

POP Club participants make that decision each week at the South Burlington Farmers Market!

POP Club (Power of Produce)• POP Club is a nationally

recognized program that empowers children to make healthy eating choices.

• Each Market day from June to October, POP Club educators offer activities that increase exposure to locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.

POP Club (Power of Produce)• POP Club participants take

part in taste tests—turnips, chard, sweet potatoes, and more—and complete a Passport to Health.

• They receive $3 tokens to purchase produce directly from Market vendors— engaging in their local food system as they meet the farmers who grow their food!

POP Club (Power of Produce)

“My kids joined the POP club this year, and it’s amazing how excited they are now about trying new veggies!” – Merin Maxwell, parent

Girls Circle An innovative afterschool program for girls ages 11–15

• Developed and directed by Farm to School educator Lizzie Bogosian

• Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that promotes self-confidence and creates community

• Engages participants in the natural world and their local community

“Girls Circle has become like a second

family to my daughter.” – Parent

Camp Connect at Wheeler Nature Park

• An inclusive, land-based program for girls ages 11 – 15, designed and directed by Farm to School educator Lizzie Bogosian

• Campers stretch their minds and their muscles—exploring the natural world, learning new skills, and connecting with their community

“The whole camp was a highlight of my

summer!” – Camper, Summer 2015

Camp Connect at Wheeler Nature Park

“Collaboration is the earmark of this wonderful opportunity for our community’s young women.”

– Susie Merrick Healthy Schools Coordinator

South Burlington School District

Camp Connect, Summer 2015

Get on the Bus! Campaign

A collaborative effort, initiated by Common Roots, secured funds to purchase a mini bus for year-round use by three South Burlington programs: School’s Out, Big Picture South Burlington, and Common Roots.

This bus makes it possible for Common Roots to host field trips to the Growing Gardens site, where educators work with students to tend 30 organic raised beds!

SBSD Nutritional Services

• In 2013, Common Roots received a $40,000 grant to help the South Burlington Nutritional Services Department improve kitchen equipment in all school cafeterias.

• This equipment increases storage capacity of fresh, local produce, allowing for preparation of more nutritious menu items.

• A gift of $20,000 in 2014 funded a local chef trainer to work with South Burlington School District Nutritional Services staff to develop new menu offerings, leading to a growing variety of nourishing foods served in the school cafeterias.

Charitable GivingCommon Roots relies on the generous support of friends,

neighbors, families, businesses, foundations, and other philanthropic giving. These gifts make it possible to sustain

and strengthen our core programs and to grow in our capacity to meet our mission in new ways. Common Roots

is deeply grateful to all who support our work through charitable giving.

▪1% for the Planet & Terrafunga▪City of South Burlington▪Farm at South Village▪Healthy Living Market & Café▪NOFA-VT (Northeast Organic

Farming Association ▪School’s Out ▪South Burlington Recreation

& Parks

▪South Burlington School District▪The University of Vermont

& UVM’s Food Systems Internship Program▪VT Community Garden

Network▪VT Farm to School

Network▪VT FEED (Food Education

Every Day)

Partners & ResourcesThank you!

“Member businesses of the 1% for the Planet network pride themselves in not only doing good business, but also in investing in their communities and in

causes that ensure the long-term sustainability of the planet We are proud to partner with Common Roots and recommend them to these businesses as an organization committed to sustainability and that offers some of the most innovative, high impact food-related programming in the local community.”

– Jon Cocina, Director of Membership1 % for the Planet

Board of DirectorsCarol McQuillen, Board ChairK–1 Teacher, Orchard School

Eric Ayers, Board TreasurerTax Accountant, Marlene M. Bryant CPA, PC

Terri Donovan, Ph.D., Board SecretaryUVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

Deborah Schapiro, Marketing Communications Consultant & Community Food Enthusiast

Thank you!

Common Roots, Inc.The Homestead at Wheeler Nature Park | PO Box 9335 | South Burlington VT 05403

www.commonroots.org | info@commonroots.org | 802.652.0188