SerVermont - Common Roots Food Equity Partnerships VISTA

Common Roots is a Vermont nonprofit with a mission of building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. This AmeriCorps VISTA project will strengthen the systems that support equitable access to nutritious food for low-income households in South Burlington and surrounding communities. Rising food and living costs continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Common Roots addresses these challenges by connecting organic farming, nutrition education, and community-based food access programs. VISTA volunteers at Common Roots will build organizational capacity in communications, food access partnerships, volunteer engagement, and diversified fundraising. These roles will develop the infrastructure that connects farm production, Farm to School and Farm to Go programs, community meals, and food access partnerships. VISTA volunteers will not provide direct service, but will design and implement systems that increase program reach, improve coordination, and strengthen long-term sustainability. By improving access to healthy food, increasing food literacy, and strengthening community-based systems, this project will help reduce the economic burden of food insecurity and support long-term community health and resilience.