‘11 Annual Report
Rutland Area Farm and Food Link
Local Farms Fresh Foods Healthy People Resilient Communities
RA Twilight in the Meadow
Photo by Joe Rizzi, 2011
A message from RAFFL
As Vermont develops a localized food system -- one that keeps farmers in business and gets locally-produced food into the community -- the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) is doing our part by working with farmers, developing innovative programs, and helping revitalize our towns. RAFFL’s work falls into three categories: community education, farmer assistance and support, and community economic development. We work one-on-one to connect farmers with resources, collect and distribute fresh produce to area food shelves, and help people and institutions integrate more local food into their meals. Most importantly, we are a statewide voice for farmers and local food advocates in and around Rutland. Join us in 2012 as we work together to strengthen our local food system, bringing more local food into the community and linking farmers with the resources they need to succeed.
Tara Kelly Executive Director
Bob Baird Board President
FFL
RAFFL envisions a vibrant, interconnected, and organized year-round farm and food system that involves and benefits the entire Rutland region.
RAFFL connects you with local food. Farms are a vital part of the Rutland region’s economy and culture. RAFFL is working to get more local food into the community: good for farms and good for all of us! In 2011, we distributed our sixth annual Locally Grown Guide and attended 31 outreach events to build awareness about the Rutland region’s farms and local food.
Farm to Workplace RAFFL’s Farm to Workplace program continues to expand access to local food by coordinating deliveries of fresh produce to Rutland’s largest worksites.
98 employees
RAFFL distributed
40,000 Locally Grown Guides in 2011
The guide included 22 new farm listings, illustrating the farming renaissance in the Rutland region!
participated in RAFFL’s Farm to Workplace program and received weekly shares of fresh vegetables
EAT
Grow a Row In 2011, RAFFL collected and distributed 8,896 lbs of fresh produce to Rutland area shelters and food service organizations.
320.5 hours
contributed by volunteers to Grow a Row
Everyday Chef Check out past Everyday Chef cooking shows on PEG-TV
RAFFL’s newest program, Everyday Chef, builds confidence about using local ingredients and teaches easy, practical cooking techniques.
203 people
attended 18 Everyday Chef cooking demos
87%
of attendees learned about a new vegetable or food
Everyday Chef Program Sites
Heritage Family Credit Union Rutland County Parent/Child Center Rutland County Women’s Shelter Rutland Mental Health Services Rutland Regional Medical Center
LOCAL
RAFFL directly assists farmers. The Rutland region’s vibrancy and long-term food security relies on the success of local farms. RAFFL provides one-on-one technical assistance to new farmers. In 2011 RAFFL initiated an online Mentorship Directory, piloted a marketing collaborative, and coordinated two mixers for area farmers. In February, RAFFL hosted our second annual Farmer Resource Fair, which included five workshops and growers’ discussions. During the summer, our skills-building Workshop Series included six workshops and a Q&A session with farmer Joel Salatin.
100+ farmers
from the aspiring to the experienced attended RAFFL’s summer workshops
“It’s such an unbelievable service to have an organization support farmers -- so farmers can focus on being farmers.”
FARM
Irene’s Impact on Farmers Tropical Storm Irene impacted 463 Vermont farms and caused over $10 million worth of crop losses and damage. Despite these challenges, Vermonters came together in solidarity and support following the storm. RAFFL helped affected farmers connect with critical resources, sent out informational mailings, and collected donations for the Vermont Community Foundation’s Farm Disaster Relief Fund. To date, the relief fund has raised $2,295,000. RAFFL served on the fund’s Allocations Committee, which -as of January 2012 -- has provided 171 Vermont farms with direct assistance. The story is not over. Throughout 2012, RAFFL will continue to mobilize help for affected farmers as they rebuild and recover.
If your farm experienced losses due to Irene and you still need assistance, contact RAFFL at info@rutlandfarmandfood.org
LOCAL
RAFFL strengthens the local economy. By providing a support system for farmers and inspiring new outlets to help farmers sell their products, RAFFL is fostering a postive economic climate for small, startup businesses in the Rutland area.
Looking Ahead In 2012 RAFFL is conducting an in-depth market analysis of the region’s food system--from what and how much farmers are growing to who is buying it. As this data-collecting process culminates in late spring, RAFFL will better understand the initiatives needed to make our communities more vibrant and resilient. RAFFL’s innovative programs and partnerships will continue to support the retention and viability of the region’s agricultural lands.
1,127 average views per month on the What’s Growin’ On blog
BE
2011’s Volunteers Hilary Adams Joan Aleshire Kathy Allen Lindsay Arbuckle Mary Ashcroft Robert Bader Averie Baird Jenna Baird Bob Baird Rico Balzano Ian Barnum Tom Bartholemew Ellen Bevier Harold Billings Jamie Billings Gordon Billings Sue Bishop Joseph Burt Devri Byrom Camp Betsey Cox Ann Clark Tom Cohen Sandy Cohen Kathie Comstock Hilary Coolidge Iliana CorreaHernandez Scott Courcelle Chris CoZi Peggy CoZi CVPS Emma Dailey Jessica Danyow Maggie Devine Sam Dixon Chuck Domenie Lisa Donohue Dennis Duhaime Elizabeth Eddy Katie Eisenhart Rachel Emus Jessica Estes
Barbara Fenhagen Sandy Fink Julie Fredette Mark Fredette Jose Galvez Contreras Joan Geiszler Rob Geiszler Ollie Gelinas Elizabeth Gibson Sarah Gibson Margaret Gilman Green Mountain College Students Jonah Grumbine Jessalyn Gustin Dayna Halprin Jeri Harris Marsha Hemm Martin Hemm Tracy Hewitt Elizabeth Hinterberger Maggie Hoff Mike Horner Ethel Horner Harvey Horner Tricia Huebner Pat Hunter Elana Israel Lucas Jackson Jason Jansen Martha Johnson Indira Kajosevic Jessica Kaminski Rebecca Kearns Natasha Kekach Thomas Kelly Hinterberger Olivia Kelly Hinterberger Trevor Kelly Hinterberger
Hannah Kretvix Whitney Lamy Rita Lane Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate Kate Lapp Katie Laux Amy Law Michael Lawrie Wendy Leffel Aileen Lennon Jessica Lingus Chris Littler
John Pollard Ron Pulcer Michelle Reese Becky Rizzi Joe Rizzi Marli Rupe Rutland Mental Health Services Jim Sabataso Steve Schild Jonathan Schnecter Scott Shady Ann Singiser
In 2011, 177 people volunteered 2,130+ hours for RAFFL Augie Louras Chris Louras Judy Louras Garland Mason Robert McMahon Laurie Mecier Ari Mirick John Mooney Michelle Morey Rosemary Moser Rod Munroe Muriel Nicklas Sharon Nimtz Toma Novac Frank O’Classen Parad Becca Jenn Pattillo Philip Picotte Erin Piotrowski Kevin Plew
Steve Singiser Theresa Snow Hilary Solomon Schonbachler Soo Marshall Squier Elizabeth Stefanik Beth Swartz Carol Tashie Kate Thomas Eleanor Tison Mary Trombley Paul Vergara Ethan Wallett Ann Warrell Annabelle Westling Williams Chris Wetherby Rick Wilson Ryan Yoder Eva Zivitz
LOCAL
Grow-a-Row really made a BIG difference in the quality of fresh local food we were able to serve to children at the Boys & Girls Club. Thank you so much for the weekly deliveries! - Brook Nuckles
Rutland Boys & Girls Club
Shoreham S. Royalton
RAFFL’s Rutland Office
RAFFL’s Poultney Office
Map Key
Shaftsbury
Grow a Row collections Summer workshops RAFFL events and outreach Grow a Row distributions Farm to Workplace Everyday Chef demos
Where is RAFFL’s region? RAFFL’s “area” reaches as far north as Middlebury, east to Rochester, south to Manchester, and west into New York. We also coordinate with other nonprofit organizations, UVMExtension, government agencies, the state’s Farm to Plate initiative, and other partners throughout the state and New England region. We are a grassroots nonprofit with a big voice.
RAFFL has a big
IMPACT
2011 Financial Report In 2011 RAFFL focused on building the organization’s strength. From creating new administrative and programmatic systems to building efficiencies, RAFFL is poised for success in 2012 due to this foundational work. We look forward to another year of financial growth to support our work and further our mission.
149
new donors in 2011
Total Expenses
Management & General 15%
$231,505 Program 75%
75%
Total Income
oundation 62,722.00 orporations $8,083.00 ndividuals 71,413.00 Program overnment $15,127 rogram IncomeRevenue 11% 24,140.00 ther $131.00
In Kind Donations 21% Foundation Grants 27%
$229,726
Government Grants n-kind: $48,109 6%
Fundraising 10%
31%
Corporations 4% Individual Support 31%
Operations Total Assets
$33,123
Operating Fund Savings Account
$33,096 $27
Total Liabilities
$131
Payroll Liabilities
$131
Total Equity
$32,992
Unrestricted Net Assets Net Income
Email Subscribers
$48,159
In kind donations, including donated office space and internet use
$82,880 -$49,888
Facebook Post Views
Website Visits
54,027
870 636
2010
180,416 2011
2011
$29,641 total sales for Farm to Workplace
7,719
2011
2010
2010
Growing Annual Revenue
$181,617 2011
$162,776 2010
43
advertisers in the 2011 Locally Grown Guide covered the cost of publication
24,594
$67,361 2008 $10,988 2006
2006 - 2011
In Kind Gifts and Services Agway Martin and Marsha Hemm Joe and Becky Rizzi Alchemy Gardens Hick’s Orchard Roots the Restaurant Joan Aleshire High Mowing Seeds Emily Rothschild Kathy and Bob Allen Highfields Center for Rick Rudd Amtrak Composting Rutland Area Food Co-op Anderson Hill Farm Home Depot Rutland Herald Lindsay Arbuckle Tricia Huebner Rutland Regional Planning Auberge St. Antoine Jason Jansen Commission Bob and Bonnie Baird Gary and April Kanew Soo Schonbachler Bear Mountain Bakers Tara Kelly Shelburne Farms Ludy Biddle Killington Resort & Pico Lilian Sheren Blue Ledge Farm Mountain Sissy’s Kitchen Boardman Hill Farm Whitney Lamy Joann Smith Breezy Meadows Orchards Brown Boar Farm Brown’s Orchard Cabot Creamery Cooperative and businesses gave Cape Air Castleton Crackers in kind donations to Champlain Orchards RAFFL in 2011 Ann Clark Consider Bardwell Farm Crawford Family Farm Limoges Antiques Solarfest Crowley Cheese Lincoln Peak Vineyard Southwind Farmstead CVPS LMW Design, Inc. Rick and Beth Swartz Lynn and Rick Davis Maplebrook Farm Cheese Thomas Dairy Dutchess Farm Nancy Marshall Three Tomatoes Trattoria East Creek Catering Charlene McFarren Thrive Center of the Green ERS Design, LLC O. Ross McIntyre & Helen Mountains Essential Wellness LLC Whyte Timberwolf Manufacturing Evening Song Farm Merchants Bank Tropical Aquaculture Fat Toad Farm Angela Miller Two Dog Farm Foggy Meadow Farm Kathy Milillo U.S. Bankruptcy Court Foley Services Misty Knoll Vermont Coffee Company Fresh Tracks Game & Poultry Morgan Mountain Organic Vermont Creamery Paul and Ingrid Gallo Gardeners Vermont Hills Teriyaki Garden Time Barbara and Ed Morrow Vermont Land Trust Gardener’s Supply Mountain Top Inn Vermont Sweetwater Rob Geiszler Mr. Twitters Victorian Inn Gleason Grains Nature’s Turn, LLC Max Weintraub Grabowski Farm Never Better Farm Rene Wilbur Green Leaf Plants Ellen Ogden RC Williams Green Mountain Coffee Paramount Theatre Williams True Value Roasters Pratico’s Landscape & Woodcock Farm Green Mountain College Fencing Company Woods Market Garden Green Mountain Tent Co Price Chopper Laurie Musick Wright Groundworks Farm Putney Winery Yoder Farm Handel & Haydn Society Quickprint of Rutland Vicky Young Hathaway Farm Radical Roots Farm Zia Bobo’s Baguettes Heleba Potatoes Right Mind Farm
132 individuals
2011 Donors $2501+
Anonymous Donor City of Rutland Mrs. Francis Hatch James T. Bowse Community CVPS Paul and Marsha Fonteyn Health Trust Johnson Family Foundation Ann and Tom Gallivan Paul and Ingrid Gallo Vermont Community Hills and Hollows Fund Foundation of the VT Community Marsha and Martin Hemm Foundation High Meadows Fund Tom and Tricia Huebner Bill and Carolyn Meub Tom Johnson and Ina Smith VT Agency of Agriculture Lang McLaughry Spera VT Housing and Real Estate Conservation Board Chris and Judy Louras Ramsey Yoder and Denise Jo and Grant Reynolds McGinley
UVM Beginning Farmer Program Vermont Country Store Rene and Stan Wilbur Yankee Farm Credit Sally and Leonard Zivitz
$201 - 500
Anonymous Donor (3) Cathy Baker and Stan Shapiro Alan Betts and Karen James Ludy Biddle, Beaver Meadow Farm Blue Seal Jim and Freddie Ann Bohlig Steven and Leslie Brenner Cabot Creamery $501-1,000 $1,001-2,500 Wanda and Larry Courcelle Joan Aleshire Kathy and Bob Allen Patricia Cuddy Margaret Dombro Farrell Distributing Corp. Barbara Fenhagen Gagnon Lumber, Inc Mike Galvin and Kiki celebrated local farms at McShane Jonathan Gibson and Liza RAFFL’s Twilight in the Mabry Meadow event last September Pam and Rich Green, Green’s Sugarhouse Rheba and John Haley Mary Ashcroft and Harold Kathy Hall Billings Richard and Cheryl Hanson Bob and Bonnie Baird, John Hartmann and Gabrielle Baird Farm McDermit, Little Brook Ejay and Sue Bishop Fiber Farm Bill and Barbara Carris Martha Johnson and Richard Carris Reels Bondareff Joan Gamble and Chip Tara Kelly and Elizabeth Paison Hinterberger Elizabeth and Lenny Gibson Kathleen and Wayne Robert Gould Krevetski Mike Horner and Sandy Fink Julia and Gregg Kunkowski Sherman and Pat Hunter Joan and Ron Lazzaro Laurie Mecier Bill and Linell Lohsen Bonnie McLellan Teddi and Indra Lovko Lawrence Miller John Malcolm and Sue Chris and Jackie Nyberg LaPorte Rebecca Purdom Genevieve and Gil Mason John and Lorena Schramm Hull and Taffy Maynard, Kent Smith High Pastures Farm Rick and Beth Swartz
188 supporters
Nancy Bell Bruce Bouchard Steve and Laurie Brittain, German Hill Farms Jason Cadwell Steve Cadwell Tracy and Melvie Carris Ann Clark Betty Clark Seth and Sherry Clark Sandy Cohen Eugenia Cooke and Joanne Cillo David and Clare Coppock Credit Union Of Vermont Eric DeLuca Joe and Courtney Desena Susan and Michael Dick Reggi Ann Dubin Anne Felton Spencer Stan Fishkin and Nancy Marshall, Mountain Top Farm Nan Gilmour RAFFL gave away 450 samples of Deborah and Bob Hartenstein Harvey and Ethel Horner healthy food, 130 handouts, and 300 Ted and Martha Izzi recipe cards during two Rutland Lillian Jackson Regional Medical Center events. Art Jones Gordon and Bonnie Kelly Chris Keyser and Jane Governor Peter Shumlin even stopped Kosmider by to try some local potato salad! Lafaso Electric Lake Sunapee Bank Whitney and Philip Lamy, Pat Menduni Stephen and Ann Singiser Castleton Crackers Betsy and David Moakley Jerry and Elizabeth Mark and Tricia Lawrence Martha and Ted Molnar Sojourner, Baba-a-Louis Wendy Leffel Ed and Barbara Morrow Bakers Kathy and Steve Letendre Don and Shirlee Nickless Robert Stein and Kathryn Diane and John Liccardi Sharon and Ralph Nimtz Milillo Gil Livingston and Amy Margaret and Kim O’Neil Barbara and Tim Taraska Wright Evelyn and Ken Peters Gail and Neal Vreeland Rodney McPhee and Nicole John Pollard, Red Wing Farm Donna and Greg Whitehorne Peck Alexis and Craig Porter, Melissa and David Whitmore Herbert Ogden and Porter Farm Bob and Vicky Young Catherine Thomas Melinda Quinn Otter Creek Brewing Co. Hope Rogers Philip Picotte $101-200 Rutland Area Food Co-op Proctor Gas Abbey Group Rutland Regional Medical Ron and Sarah Pulcer Dr. Lloyd Bartholomew Center Maria Reade Ryan Bartley Susan Schreibman and Bill Sandi Reiber Michael Beattie and Leslie Gross Roberta and Van Ritter Silver Share Our Strength
Marli Rupe Soo and Stanti Schonbachler Robyn and David Schmitt Jane Skakel Joann Smith Megan and Gregory Smith Julie Beane Teta Eleanor Tison and Mark Dailey UBS Fran Veller Vermont Land Trust Todd and Cathy Walker, Progressive Asset Management Max Weintraub RC and Annabelle Williams Ingrid Wisell
Cail Clark Marion Cleary Paul Colletti Joseph and Jean Coloutti Lucy and Stuart ComstockGay Paul Costello, VT Council on Rural Development Gale and Justin Courcelle Tyler Daly Eric and Dale Davenport Stacy DeCesare Joe and Lisa Donohue, Thrive Center of the Green Mountains Nancy Eddy Farm and Wilderness Foundation, Inc. Susan Farrow $1-100 Patrick and Kathleen Feeley C. Albreeht Rachael Ferguson Rachel Alexander Herb Russell Amy Allen Bill and Pat Forbes Anonymous Donor (4) Mark Fredette Lindsay Arbuckle and Scott Gay & Lesbian Fund of VT Courcelle, Alchemy Ducky and Fran Grabowski, Gardens Grabowski Farm Robert and Margaret Ayers, Rhonda Grace Ayers Egg Farm Karri Granger Martha Baker Green Mountain Coffee Julie Barber, Brown Boar Roasters Farm Dayna Halprin Michelle Bates Mark and Licia Hamilton Sally Beckwith and Paul Jeri Harris Horton, Foggy Meadow Haystack Hustlers Farm Charles and Gail Helfer Angela and Richard Berkfield Bill Henning Cecile Betit Ed Holmes Mark and Hope Blucher Nicole Horvath Evangeline and Michael Paul Hyde Blust Elana Israel Ann Bornt Jason Jansen Jennifer Brenner, Olive Ida Mae Johnson Branch Gourmet Rebecca Jones Aida and Ed Brewer Indira Kajosevic Alan Brown, Lewis Waite Jessica Kaminski Farm Abbie Kaveny, Schinski’s Kenneth Bushee, Bushee Farm Family Maple Farm Lowell Klock Michelle Butynes Art Krueger and Trish Michael and Carol Calotta Norton, Krueger-Norton Lauren Campbell Sugarhouse Timothy and Diane Clain William and Kate Kruesi
Elisabeth Kulas and Mike Klopchin Anne Lezak and Harry Chen Susan and Robert Lloyd Lisa MacDougall, Mighty Food Farm Becky and Philip Mandolare Garland Mason Robert and Janet McClallen Jeff and Cathy McMurry, Sunset Farm James McNeil Jerica Meditz Angela and Russell Miller, Consider Bardwell Farm Chris Miller Sarah Mittlefehldt and John Gillette Muriel Nicklas Chad Pfeiffer Laurie Phillips Susan and Dave Potter, Shad Mountain Farm Vickie Pratt Robin Prentiss Matthew and Scout Proft, Someday Farm Andrew and Sarah Quint Ed Safford and Yvonne Brunot, Right Mind Farm Jeanne Sampson Paul and Nancy Saueracker Brendan Schubel Deborah Scranton, Scranton Appraisals Heather Shay Jacob Sherman Abby Silin David and Martha Sirjane, Caravan Gardens Kat Smith, Stonesthrow Farm Kristin Smith Brenda Snow Edna Snow Theresa Snow Charlie and Bea Stagg Ron Steffens Janice St Onge Susan Sutheimer Carol Tashie and Dennis Duhaime, Radical Roots Farm Lisa and Van Purcell
Kathleen “Kit” Wallace Phyllis and Michael Wells Megan Wherry and Mathew Menner Chic and Sue Whiting, Spotted Dog Farm Helen Whyte and Ross McIntyre Jan Williams Rick Wilson and Ali Jesser, Purple Burdock Farm Alex Wylie Ryan and Rachel Yoder, Yoder Farm
In honor of Marion Austin Janice St. Onge Jill Perry Balzano and Rico Balzano Jen and Chad Pfeiffer Harold Bates Michelle Bates Stephanie Duryee Anonymous Donor (2)
Jessica, Eric, and Brianne Gallas Lauren Campbell Mike Horner Harvey and Ethel Horner Sharon Nimtz Lowell Klock John Pollard Anonymous Donor Tin Skoric Indira Kajosevic
Tribute to Mark Blucher (1940 - 2012) This report is dedicated to Mark Blucher. As Executive Director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Mark supported the formation of RAFFL by allowing two of his staff, India and Tara, to create a project that explored the future of agriculture. This planning work led to the formation of a working group that eventually evolved into RAFFL. When India and Tara left RRPC to focus on RAFFL, Mark accepted the transitions with grace and humor. Since that time, he continued to support RAFFL with significant in-kind support related to use of office equipment and space – a huge contribution to a burgeoning organization. We deeply appreciate Mark and will miss his kind heart and giving spirit. We wish the best to his family and longtime colleagues at the RRPC and around the state.
Board Members (2011-2012) Bob Baird, President John Pollard, Vice President Mary Ashcroft, Treasurer Eleanor Tison, Secretary Elizabeth Gibson Mike Horner Wendy Leffel Marli Rupe Theresa Snow Carol Tashie * Greg Cox
RAFFL’s Staff Tara Kelly, Executive Director Lindsay Arbuckle Jill Perry Balzano Joann Smith Kris Smith * India Burnett Farmer * Designates past employee or board member
Thank you India and Greg On July 4 India Burnett Farmer, one of RAFFL’s founding members, gave birth to a baby boy, Matteo. India has since decided to transition away from RAFFL to focus on her family. We would like to thank India for her hard work, enthusiasm, and creativity over the years. Greg Cox, President of the Board, also stepped away from RAFFL this year to focus on his farm and other Vermont Farmers’ Market projects. RAFFL would not be RAFFL without either India or Greg--two of our community’s most dedicated farmer advocates!
Support RAFFL Volunteer For RAFFL’s Programs
1. Grow A Row - Help collect extra food from farmers’ markets or harvest fruits and vegetables during gleanings. All collected food is donated to food shelves and food service organizations throughout the Rutland region. 2. Twilight in the Meadow - Help RAFFL with our biggest event of the year! We need folks to set up, decorate, and run our popular local farm and food celebration. 3. Office Help - Many hands make light work! Help us with mailings, program development, and other office tasks. Volunteers should have an eye for details. 4. Public Outreach - Deliver Locally Grown Guides or be a RAFFL amabassador at outreach fairs and other events. Help RAFFL spread the word about local farms and food! To volunteer, e-mail info@rutlandfarmandfood.org
Make a Contribution to RAFFL
Your gift helps RAFFL support local farmers, conserve Vermont’s working landscapes, and make sure all people in the Rutland region have access to fresh, healthy food. Donate Online www.rutlandfarmandfood.org Or send a check made out to RAFFL to P.O. Box 284 - Rutland, VT 05702