The challenges of constructing and implementing new infrastructure are immense. It requires significant capacity, constant problem solving, and securing a considerable amount of capital. It is also clear, however, that developing new infrastructure can lead to unexpected, yet beneficial community opportunities. In one short year since moving our Farm Connex and Community Connection programs into the Food Hub, we have learned that this building not only provides critical physical space for operations, but has also become an anchor for community-directed organizing and opened the door to unplanned collaborations.
 

From having the ability to respond to unforeseen food storage needs, to preparing soup in response to the lapse in SNAP funding, the Food Hub has served multiple community uses in its first year of operation. As new and emergent community needs arise, or as agriculture in our region evolves, the Food Hub will remain a facility that is adaptable and multifunctional. 
 

This has also been our experience with the Vermont Food Venture Center and the Atkins Field Pavilion. Since both have been in use we’ve seen unexpected but important community uses occur. During the pandemic, the pavilion was used for community gatherings when outdoor space was critical for coming together, and today it is still an essential element to what makes every Friday farmers market enjoyable. The Vermont Food Venture Center provides important commercial kitchen and storage space to many regional businesses including Front Seat Coffee and Barred Woods Maple.
 

Completing the Food Hub buildout and installing the rooftop solar array late last year required a huge amount of capacity to complete. It was a test of endurance, but we were very fortunate to have so many committed partners, including the Town of Hardwick. I am also incredibly grateful for all the community members and funders who directly supported CAE’s efforts to complete the project. Now, it is our job to steward this new facility, share what we learned with others, and keep it operating for community benefits that bring new opportunities to the people in our region. 

Sincerely, 

Jon Ramsay

In just one year the Food Hub has already become a critical piece of community infrastructure. Below are just some of the activities that happened at the Food Hub in its first year! Click below to read the full stories.

🍲 Soup for SNAP
🥖 Hazen Union School Baguette Workshop in the Community Room 
☀️ Rooftop Solar Array
🌳 Wetland Restoration Tree Planting
👭 Vermont Intern Professionals Network Event 
🚚 Farm Connex: Two Months at the Food Hub!