{
    "title": "HILDENE WELCOMES THE VERMONT FARM TO SCHOOL & EARLY CHILDHOOD NETWORK  ",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-24 20:29:48",
    "published_at": "2026-04-24 20:31:00",
    "url": "https://hildene.prezly.com/hildene-welcomes-the-vermont-farm-to-school-early-childhood-network",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/6GDd",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "The Spring Gathering of the Bennington Region Farm to School & Early Childhood Network to visit Hildene Farm on May 6, 2026.",
    "slug": "hildene-welcomes-the-vermont-farm-to-school-early-childhood-network",
    "body": "<p><strong>MANCHESTER, VT</strong> - </p><p>The Spring Gathering of the Bennington Region Farm to School &amp; Early Childhood group is designed to gather anyone interested in getting involved with farm to school and early childhood programming in the region. Teachers, early childhood educators, farm to school coordinators, school nutrition staff, administrators, farmers, food hubs, families, and supporting organizations are all invited. </p><p>Hildene&rsquo;s active involvement in the Farm to School &amp; Early Childhood Network is led by Lisa Maggio, Youth Education Director and Ann Ogden Hausslein, Co-Farm Director. Existing programs at Hildene, including the BBA Farm and Food Studies Program, demonstrate the significance and impact of such initiatives and the benefits of collaboration. </p><p>&ldquo;Farm to school connects classrooms, cafeterias, and communities to build a healthier, more just food system by fostering relationships with local farms and bringing fresh, locally grown foods into schools&rdquo; said Maggio. &ldquo;Hildene is excited to engage in this work, aligning with our educational goal of nurturing children&rsquo;s curiosity and stewardship of planet Earth through hands-on learning. We are helping students understand where food comes from and how their choices impact their health, the environment, and their community.&rdquo; Hausslein added the reminder that &ldquo;attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about Burr &amp; Burton Academy&#039;s Farm and Food Studies Program, a cooperative effort that is located at Hildene Farm.&rdquo;</p><p>On May 6, 5&ndash;5:45PM, attendees will gather at Hildene Farm on River Road and visit the greenhouse, gardens, and the BBA classroom. The next stop at 6-7:45PM is Burr &amp; Burton Academy for a reception with delicious local food provided by Grateful Hearts and Bennington Community Market and plenty of opportunities to mingle for conversation and communication. \u200b All are welcome. </p><p>Coordinating partners for this event include Bennington Early Childhood Center; Bennington County Early Head Start/Head Start; Northshire Day School; Vermont Department of Health; Burr and Burton Academy; Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home; and Vermont Farmers Food Center.</p><p>The May 6 Gathering is a program of the Vermont Farm to School &amp; Early Childhood Network with funding from the Vermont Agency of Education.</p><p> </p><h4 id=\"end\" style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>- End -</strong></h4><p> </p><p> </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
    "author": {
        "first_name": "Eileen",
        "last_name": "Foster"
    },
    "format_version": 5
}