Advancing our Mission in Challenging Times

Dear Friends,

We at the Intervale Center hope this message finds you healthy, comfortable, and safe in this uncertain time.

I want to let you know that as we focus on reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community, we are also working hard to advance our mission in support of farmers and all of us who need access to wholesome food during this challenging time.

Across Vermont, we are all adjusting our lives as children are not in school, jobs are upended, our beloved gathering spots are closed, and as loved ones may become ill. We are also redoubling our commitment to community – as Vermonters do – and helping family and friends move forward with hope.

Here at the Intervale Center we too have adjusted our lives while focusing even harder on the importance of our mission:

Our Farm Business Specialists are working from their makeshift home offices helping farmers around the state sustain our vital tradition of Vermont farms feeding us and our neighbors.

Our Food Hub team is delivering wholesome Vermont food in and around Burlington, using a food distribution model that seems almost built for this time: home delivery.

Our dedicated tree nursery crew is working hard each day in the fresh air and greenhouses to care for young seedlings and prepare for an April harvest of thousands of trees that will become part of a healthier Vermont.

Additionally, all of our Intervale trails and natural areas are open. We encourage people to get outside and reflect on how special Vermont is this time of year as sugaring season continues and the sun grows warmer each day. 

We are also engaging with our partners in Vermont as we collectively solve problems the pandemic will bring. From food banks and gleaning partners, farm viability professionals and food hubs, to local stores and community groups, we bring our decades-long farm and food expertise and infrastructure to bear as the challenges facing farmers and those seeking wholesome food unfolds. The Intervale Center and many across Vermont will need resources to cope with major disruptions but to also increase our capacity to support our neighbors who farm and need food during this crisis. Please consider making a donation to the Intervale Center here. 

During this time of social distancing, we will be sharing stories of our work as we advance our mission and address the essential farm and food needs of our community. Please check out our social media often and connect with us there. Your engagement is important to us as we look forward to sharing stories and hearing how you are doing.

As we have seen in our state, time and again, Vermonters come together, take care of each other, and emerge from challenging times with new ways to support community. We have experienced this magic here in the Intervale in the past and I have no doubt that together we will again.

Thank you for being part of our resilient community.

Take good care,

Travis Marcotte, Executive Director