New members sought for local food buying clubs

BRATTLEBORO — Post Oil Solutions has announced the transition of its Windham County Farm to School program and related food system programming into a new organization, Food Connects, which will let members buy locally grown and produced foods at wholesale prices, for pick-up at one of four local schools.

The move follows a successful pilot program in 2012-13 at several area schools, and allows buyers to stock up on yogurt, eggs, bread, bagels, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and other specialty items from area farms, bakeries, and greenhouses throughout the year.

According to a Post Oil Solutions press statement, Food Connects' new mission is to cultivate healthy food and farm connections in classrooms, cafeterias, and communities.

To that end they're recruiting the help of buying club members and other volunteers to sort food and pack individual orders once the bulk delivery has been dropped at participating schools.

For the 2013-14 school year, buying clubs will be operating on a bi-weekly basis at Brattleboro Area Middle School, a Brattleboro elementary school to be named, Putney Central School, and Guilford Central School.

Food Connects says it's nearly set to accept applications for buying clubs, and aims to start deliveries in October.

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