Recently, NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, held its annual winter conference in Burlington. If you noticed the Davis Center packed with farmers and felt a little confused, don’t worry, you weren’t the only one! After doing a little research about what exactly NOFA is, I began to realize that it’s much more than a group of friendly farmers. NOFA is a nonprofit organization that is working to promote an economically stable and ecologically beneficial Vermont food system. They advocate for local and organic foods, a cause that I think is definitely worth fighting for. Whether your a macrobiotic vegan or you live off of Marche chicken fingers, there can always be something to be learned about what exactly you are eating. Check out these ways to get involved in the foodie scene here at UVM:
Check out the Burlington Farmer’s Market! This event is held every other Saturday November to April from 10:00 -2:00. It takes place in Memorial Auditorium and offers fresh fruits and vegetables, local meat and dairy products, handmade crafts, and fresh baked pastries and sweets. Support local farmers! For more info click here!
Eat some cheese! February 13-17 is Cheesefest. University Dining services hosts an week long showcase of award winning locally produced cheese here at UVM. There will be cheese-themed meals served in all dining halls and cheese tasting events throughout the week. Local farm Vermont Butter & Cheese will be at Harris/Millis from 5:30pm – 7:30 and Cabot Creamery will be at Marché 5:30pm – 7:30 on Wednesday, February 15, and Black River Produce sampling Blythedale Farms Camembert will be at Brennan’s 5:00pm – 7:00 on Thursday, February 16.
Volunteer! American Flatbread is hosting a benefit bake on Monday, November 20, from 5:00-10:00. $4 of every large flatbread and $2 of every small, both eat-in and take-out orders, will be donated to Rural Vermont, an organization dedicated to supporting local farmers in the fight for economic equality! Join in the baking and enjoy some delicious flatbread. Click here for more information.
Become a member at City Market! Join an organization committed to bringing healthy food choices to the Burlington, plus you’ll save $$$ on store purchases. Becoming part of the co-op means getting involved in a locally owned business and supporting the Burlington farming community. Anyone can become a member by purchasing a share at the customer service desk or any register for $15 annually.
Attend a local potluck! Slow Food Vermont, and organization that promotes the growth of local and organic foods, hosts monthly gatherings here in Burlington. Volunteers host the potlucks in their homes, and guests bring a dish that corresponds with the chosen theme. Potlucks are held the third Sunday of every month. Challenge your cooking abilities, February’s theme is chocolate! Get more information here.
Connect on campus! UVM has its very own chapter of Slow Food. The group meets every Monday at 7:30 in 234 Jeffords to discuss and plan ways to integrate local and organic food into the UVM community. Currently, Slow Food UVM is working on the Real Food Challenge, Campus Commitment, and needs help achieving this goal. They always welcome new members. No previous knowledge is required, come learn about Slow Food! Like Slow Food UVM on Facebook here.
