Richmond Area Business Association

VT Youth Conservation Corps Offers CSA Program to Help Feed Neighbors

In Richmond Vermont, 22% of children qualify for free or reduced lunch In Huntington 27%; in Bolton 48%

May, 2010 (Richmond, VT) – Richmond, inspired by the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, decided to create a summer food service program. What started out as a two week program by the mission committee of the Congregational Church 10 years ago blossomed into a program feeding over 120 children a day during the month of July. Incorporated in 2009 as Our Community Cares Camp (OCCC), the program feeds any child attending a summer academic or camp program at the Richmond Elementary School campus. “We feel that we are filling a gap and helping Richmond, Huntington and Bolton families by extending their food budget over the summer months while providing enriching activities through our day camp.” says Marie Thomas, President of the OCCC board.

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) and Maple Wind Farm have joined together to create Monitor Barns CSA, to create a sustainable agricultural model that brings together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds to give them a hands-on educational experience in farming while growing food for the greater community, despite income level.  The goal of the Monitor Barns CSA is to distribute as much food as possible to area food shelves and community organizations.  Tom Hark, the VYCC Director, asked to join forces with OCCC to sell shares to support the farm operation.  “VYCC are asking folks to donate a CS share to local families. They are sharing the funds with OCCC, making us more sustainable, and the shares will be offered to OCCC families. Then, these families will be bringing home the vegetables that their children already love for several weeks after camp has ended.” says Thomas.

For more information about theMonitor Barns CSA shares program go to www.vycc.org or call Amanda Payne at 434-3969 x145.
PRESS CONTACT: Marie Thomas, OCCC Board President
P.O. Box 503, Richmond Vermont 05477
434-6006 voice mailbox  309-0398 cell.     
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the Our Community Cares Camp (OCCC): OCCC is a 501(c)(3) corporation serving children from Richmond, Huntington and Bolton.  We feed over 120 children a day for the month of July and have a day camp for 60 children. We focus on having high quality food and enriching activities including art, music, and sports.  We hire high quality staff and counselors to give children the best experience possible.

About the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC): The VYCC is a statewide, year-round, non-profit conservation and education organization with the mission of teaching individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions. Each year we enroll over 300 Corps Members and full-time AmeriCorps Members, aged 16-24, to work, live, and study together in small groups. All of our crews complete priority conservation, agriculture, park management, and disaster relief projects throughout Vermont and beyond under the guidance of highly trained leaders.