Hunger Free Vermont develops and implements free, customized trainings and presentations that educate community members and service providers about hunger and nutrition in Vermont. We use a variety of formats including interactive workshops, presentations, and webinars to accommodate different people’s schedules and needs. By giving Vermonters the tools to understand the issue of hunger and its local solutions, individual community members will be empowered to promote and support the federal nutrition programs that keep Vermonters fed. Below is a sample of trainings we routinely offer in the community. Please contact us for more information on upcoming trainings.

 

The Learning Kitchen Classes

The Learning Kitchen (formerly Cooking for Life) is designed to improve food security for children living in families with limited budgets. Participants are provided with the skills necessary to make nutritious food choices through hands-on preparation of healthy meals. The program was developed in collaboration with Hunger Free Vermont and the University of Vermont Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The Learning Kitchen works with host agencies to offer the program in communities across the state.

The Learning Kitchen consists of three programs in order to meet the needs of a diverse audience of low-income parents, at-risk youth, and at-risk teens. For more details and answers to frequently asked questions, please read the application and brochure. For more inofrmation on how to host a series in your area, please contact Abby Smith, Nutrition Education Program Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Orientations and trainings are provided to all new Learning Kitchen volunteers.

Child Nutrition Trainings:  

for child care, education, and school food service professionals
Hunger Free Vermont’s Child Nutrition Team organizes workshops, webinars, and presentations aimed at maximizing access to healthy meals for Vermont’s kids, and creating sustainable programs to serve this end. We routinely work with partners at other community organizations and at the Department of Education to ensure we are offering the most comprehensive knowledge possible. Topics have included:

• Re-imagining your cafeteria to encourage participation and healthy choices
• Menu-planning and meeting USDA meal requirements
• Becoming an advocate for your school meal program
• Starting an Afterschool Snack, Supper or Summer Meal program
• The administrative intricacies of running a Federal Nutrition Program: applying, record-keeping, claiming.

We also offer personalized technical assistance to schools, child care centers, summer and afterschool programs interested in serving meals to kids. Contact Child Nutrition Advocacy Manager, Anore Horton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for more information.

Hunger and Nutrition Safety Net Trainings

Hunger Free Vermont periodically offers a ½ day training seminar, Hunger and the Nutrition Safety Net, in order to educate service providers and concerned community members about the issue of hunger in Vermont, and the myriad of nutrition programs that are addressing it. To stay informed about when the next training will be offered in your area, sign up for our Hunger & Nutrition E-Update electronic newsletter. Contact Dorigine Keeney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Program Director, for more information.