Grounded in strengthening the farm to school movement, the October Food Vision Prize winners are connecting farms to more than 200,000 students across 475 schools and campuses throughout New England.
From the Cape and Islands to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the winning projects are increasing local food aggregation and processing capacity, modernizing kitchens for scratch-cooking, and expanding access to local fresh menu items.
Whether through student farmer cohorts or university dining innovations, these projects strengthen connections between farmers, food service teams, and educators—helping to build a more resilient and equitable New England food system, where local food is an everyday part of student meals and community life.
Congratulations to all the October prize winners!
Winning Projects:
Bringing the Farm to School with Cornucopia Project
Building a Sustainable Farm to School Foundation in Dartmouth Public Schools
Building More Durable Local Markets: Linking RI Farmers, Processors, and Campus Kitchens
Establishing the Local Grass-fed Beef Supply Chain for Vermont State University
From Orchard to Lunchbox: A Regional EcoCertified Sliced Apple Program
Greening Up the Big Green’s Dining Program with Kale: Localizing Food Procurement for Dartmouth Dining and the Upper Valley
Growing Groton’s Farm to School Program
Island Grown Food for Schools
New Bedford EATS: Farm to Students Daily
New England Harvest Menus: Local Food Collaboration Across Large, Urban Districts
Securing Vermont’s Apple Supply Chain for Schools and Higher Education
The Equitable Kitchens Initiative: Modernizing WSESU School Kitchens for Local Foods, Scratch Cooking with local ingredients, and Inclusive Menus
UMass Fresh 2Go: Increasing Access to Fresh, Convenient, and Local Food