Salvation Farms Secures NBRC Funding to Launch Food Processing Hub

Morrisville, VT – The Northern Borders Regional Commission announces funding for Salvation Farms, a Vermont-based nonprofit, to establish a food processing hub in collaboration with the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation. Located at 48 Congress Street in Morrisville (the former Walgreens), this facility will support local farmers by aggregating and processing surplus fruits and vegetables—perfectly edible food that might otherwise go to waste due to market limitations.

The new hub will create additional revenue opportunities for farmers while making locally grown food more affordable for institutions such as Meals on Wheels programs, schools, and correctional facilities.

In addition to improving food access, the facility will provide employment opportunities. Partnering with workforce development organizations, Salvation Farms aims to prioritize hiring individuals facing barriers to employment, offering training and a supportive work environment in Vermont’s second fastest-growing manufacturing sector - food.

Salvation Farms’ mission is to create a future where local farms feed local communities, harnessing one of the most overlooked agricultural resources—surplus food that is both nutritious and delicious but often fails to reach traditional markets. For 20 years, Salvation Farms has worked with Vermont farms in the Northeast Kingdom, Lamoille Valley, and beyond. This new facility represents an opportunity to expand and deepen their impact by increasing access to local food. Known for its innovative and replicable models addressing food system challenges, the organization envisions the hub as more than just a processing center.

“Beyond a food processing facility, we hope this space becomes a central gathering place and food-based activity hub for our neighbors, farmers, and local businesses,” says Salvation Farms Executive Director Kelly Dolan. “We are beyond thrilled to bring this project to the heart of Morrisville.”

Salvation Farms will utilize NBRC funding along with a 2023 appropriation from the State of Vermont to support the initial setup and equipment costs. Additional fundraising efforts will launch this spring to ensure a successful opening. In the coming months, the organization will gather ideas and feedback from community members and partners.

To stay updated on this project, sign up for Salvation Farms’ newsletter at www.salvationfarms.org or follow them on social media. Inquiries can be directed to info@salvationfarms.org.

Photo: Salvation Farms’ staff member, Martha Machia, and Karyl Kent, Director of School Nutrition at Mount Mansfield Union School District, with products from Salvation Farms’ processing program.