ACORN’s Annual Meeting Includes Panel of Four Women Working in Local Food and Agriculture

MIDDLEBURY, VT – The Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN) will host

its Annual Meeting online on Wednesday, November 10 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.

The pandemic’s continued butterfly effect on supply chain disruptions, labor

shortages and challenges to food access have reinforced the importance of a strong

local food system, which is the heart of ACORN’s work. Various community

initiatives and new relationships have emerged from the COVID chaos, including the

development of ACORN’s online wholesale market, and a network of community

organizations rallying for a physical food hub.

ACORN’s Annual Meeting will feature a panel with four women who work in diverse

parts of the Champlain Valley food and farming community to discuss some of local

food’s challenges and opportunities, including access, education, farming, labor and

procurement. The panel includes:

● Anna Freund, Local Foods Coordinator at HOPE

● Samantha Langevin, Head Chef at American Flatbread - Middlebury Hearth

● Laura La Vacca, Food Services Director for Addison Central School District

● Pauline Stevens - Second Generation Farmer, Golden Russet Farm in

Shoreham

Lindsey Berk, ACORN's Executive Director, will moderate the panel. Lindsey will

also recap ACORN’s 2021 food advocacy work including the development of the

online wholesale market, and exciting new opportunities for the local foodshed.

All community stakeholders who are passionate about the Champlain Valley’s local

food culture and economy are invited to attend. The event is free; donations are

appreciated. Registration is required: www.acornvt.org

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ACORN (Addison County Relocalization Network) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit

community organization based in Middlebury, VT whose mission is to promote the

growth and health of local food and agriculture in Vermont’s Champlain Valley by

providing support to our farmers and food producers, engaging in food education

and ensuring access to healthy food for all members of our community. For more

information, go to acornvt.org/.