Rural Studies Secures Grant for Food Systems, Community Development Projects

The University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies (CRS) announces its engagement in multiple projects benefiting communities, entrepreneurs and local decision-makers in Vermont with funds secured by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Project work by CRS staff and partner organizations will address program goals in the study of local and regional food system issues, community problem-solving, entrepreneurship assistance, and community-level information resources for Vermonters. Senator Leahy requested the $228,410 in funds for these projects as part of the 2009 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) budget.

The Vermont Council on Rural Development will receive $8,500 for the Community Visit program. Over the last 15 years VCRD's Community Visits have provided a structure for major community revitalization efforts in 32 rural Vermont Communities. VCRD has brought teams of up to 40 executive level state, federal and non-profit officials and business leaders to help communities systematically explore key issues of local concern and set directions for the future. Community Visits have helped towns build youth programs, redesign downtowns, build senior or low income housing, merge town and village government, and pursue myriad goals set by local consensus. VCRD and its team listen first then lend all our resources as partners in support of the community's progress once it has set its own priorities.