Farm and Food Program
The Monitor Barns Farm
Mission: To create a sustainable agricultural model that brings together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and gives them a hands-on educational experience in agriculture.
The Farm and Food Program seeks to teach youth about the source of their food, how it is grown, the value in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of providing fresh produce locally and to those who are food insecure.
In 2005, the VYCC moved into its new home at the West Monitor Barn. Since then, it has sought to carry on the agricultural tradition found on this once working dairy farm. With over 100 years of farming history on the property, the VYCC had a good place to start.
During the summer of 2007, the VYCC began the Food and Farm Program with a 1/4 acre vegetable production. Over the last three years the program has seen tremendous success and is poised to significantly increase production to five acres in 2010.
Through our partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, the VYCC will be providing fresh produce to several food shelves in Chittenden County. Our food will also be distributed to area schools, VYCC crews, and used during many VYCC events throughout the year.
Farm and Food Program - AmeriCorps Farm Interns
To support the Farm and Food Program, crews of AmeriCorps Farm Interns will live on site during the 2010 Field Season. Farm Interns will participate in all aspects of the farm, including:
- Managing soil health
- Greenhouse seedling production
- Field crop planting
- Weeding, harvesting, and delivering produce
- Building and repairing new farm infrastructure
Participants will also learn about raising livestock through laying and broiler chicken operations.
VYCC has a strong commitment to serving the youth of Vermont and caring for the environment. We are excited to continue this commitment with the Food and Farm Program. Through this new endeavor, we look forward to an even deeper relationship with our land by connecting food, education, and the community.
Farm and Food Program - Farm Intern job description PDF.
Please note, we are no longer taking Farm Intern applications for the 2010 Field Season.
For more information, please contact Amanda Payne at amanda.payne@vycc.org or (802) 434-3969 x145.
I loved gardening! I thought about implementing a community garden into my hometown somehow so everyone could benefit from fresh veggies and a little hard work weeding! My favorite part was probably the pickling. When I got home I tried my hand at pickling beets! I can't wait to see how they turn out. Not only is gardening good for the stomach, it's therapeutic to the heart and mind. -Amber 2009 LEAP Crew