VITAL COMMUNITIES
Keep your dollars where your heart is and support the businesses that are rooted here. Buy local. Eat local. Be local. Love local.
Our Pandemic Resources & Info Page
Upper Valley Businesses can sign up or update their free Guide listing any time.
Frequently Asked Questions for Business Listings
Does my business qualify for a free listing?
If your farm is within the towns covered by our map you are welcome to a free listing here.
If your restaurant, grocery, cafe/deli,catering,processing, farmers’ market, distributorship or specialty food production:
- is within the towns covered by our map AND regularly offers local farm products for sale
- OR is a processor located outside the map area, but regularly use agricultural products from farmers within our map area.
(for example, many farmers in our area ship milk to Agri-Mark for use in Cabot products, so Cabot may have a listing, even though Cabot’s offices are outside the area).
Then you are welcome to a free listing here.
What is the Valley Food & Farm Service Area?
The greater upper valley region. See map for towns.
I’m confused and just can’t figure something out. What should I do?
First read the FAQ and see if your question is here. If not, call Nancy with questions at 802-291-9100 ext. 106, or email at Nancy@VitalCommunities.org
What do I do if I have more than one business?
Only fill out more than one listing if you file taxes for more than one business. Two listings would mean you have two business names.
How do I list my Winter Farmers Market?
Do two separate business listings if you have both a summertime farmers market and a winter farmers market. Be sure to check Winter when asked about the season.
What do I do if my product is not in this list?
If your product fits into one of the categories listed, mark “other” for that category (for example, Other Poultry) and in the description field tell us what other poultry you have available. If the product does not fit into any of the categories, simply type the product name into the provided box near the bottom of the page.
When will my updated listing appear in the Guide?
Your listing will appear in the online Valley Food & Farm Guide within days of when you entered it. Our staff will activate these changes as soon as feasible and will notify you by email/mail once the changes are available to view on this website. You will be listed year round on our website and you may update your listing at any time.
Am I a processing facility?
Check Processing Facility if you are an established facility that processes ingredients, grown or raised in VT or NH, in large quantities. (e.g. cheese maker, commercial kitchen, cider press, wine maker)
Can I use the word "organic" to describe my farm?
You can only use “organic” to describe your farm if you have been certified as an organic farm or if you make less than $5000 in gross sales. See http://www.nofavt.org/orgcert.php for a description of VT organic certification and http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexIE.htm for NH organic certification.
What is an "Food Systems Group"?
This is an organization that does not fall into the categories of farm, farmer’s market, grocer, or restaurant, whose activities are related to agriculture, local foods, or sustainability in the region. Examples would be organizations that run community gardens, provide resources for farmers, participate in food relief activities, deal with political and legal issues related to agriculture and land preservation, and so forth.
Vital Communities Program News
Get Ready for the Upper Valley E-Bike Library!
Do you wish biking was part of your life? E-bikes can greatly increase that possibility. E-bikes (electric bikes) are like regular bikes but with an electric motor in addition to human-powered pedals, a battery to ...more
Newly Increased Rebates for Home Weatherization
Newly Increased Rebates for Home Weatherization Now's the best time to think about weatherizing your home as both New Hampshire and Vermont state weatherization programs have announced a temporary increase to weatherization rebates. NH Saves rebates ...more
Making Solar Energy Accessible for All
Making Solar Energy Accessible for All The best-kept secret about solar energy is how affordable it can be. Thanks to changes in the market and technology as well as rebates and other financial assistance, people at ...more
New Help for Renters and Landlords
To help landlords and tenants facing pandemic-related financial problems, refer to this resource sheet created by Upper Valley Strong, a coalition made up of over 35 non-profit organizations, agencies and town representatives who come together during ...more
Questing During Stay at Home Orders
Getting outdoors is good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health, especially during this time of added stress due to COVID-19. We are closely following our state government recommendations in Vermont and New Hampshire regarding ...more
Lend Your Voice to Local/National Commute Survey
The commutes of many Upper Valley residents have changed significantly due to COVID-19, with many shifting to telecommuting. Now that workplaces are starting to open back up, transportation planners are interested in understanding the potential ...more
Welcome 31 New Upper Valley Change-makers
Vital Communities celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Upper Valley Class of 2020 on Wednesday, June 10. This event marked the program’s 14th graduating class, as 31 local leaders completed the 10-month program with a ...more
Quest to Refresh Challenge!
Do you need to press the reset/refresh button? Have you spent too much time behind a screen these days? We have a solution! Take our challenge – Quest to Refresh! Complete five or more Quests ...more
Family Project: Write a Quest for your House!
Over these past few weeks I have experienced waves of anxiety and sadness, and at the same time such gratitude. I can’t imagine going through this crisis in any other part of the world. The ...more
TLC 4WARD Crowdfunding for Businesses
Do you own an Upper Valley business that is suffering due to the effects of the pandemic and could use a little help from your friends? TLC 4WARD Upper Valley is here for you. The Local ...more
Raise Money while Working from Home
Work from home and help raise $500 for Vermont Foodbank. Simply record your telecommute trips in your Go! Vermont account every day that you work from home and when 500 telecommutes have been recorded, we'll ...more
Donation Platform for UV Businesses
Do you own an Upper Valley business that is impacted by Covid-19 and could use a little help from your friends? TLC/4WARD is here to help. Vital Communities launched The Local Crowd (TLC) Upper Valley in ...more
Give to the Businesses You Love!
Wendell Berry once said that by choosing to support a local business in your community, you're essentially telling that business owner, "I want you to exist. I acknowledge that you and I are neighbors and ...more
Five Inspiring Stories
On March 18, Vital Communities held a webinar featuring five inspiring stories from energy committees across the Upper Valley. Stories included: Electric charging stations in Bethel An Upper Valley eBike lending library Energy saving window ...more
13th Annual Roundtable - September 15
You're Invited! The 13th Annual Upper Valley Energy Committee Roundtable will be held Tuesday, September 15, 5-8 pm in West Lebanon! This annual gathering of local energy volunteers is open to all, whether you serve on an ...more
Efficient Heating in Vermont
Check out this newly produced, six-minute YouTube video on Efficient Heating in Vermont, created by Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission. The video describes the types and benefits of home heating options and describes the current rebates ...more
Stand in Your Circle of Strength and Lead
Ed. Note: On May 30, Vital Communities honored 12 community leaders who’ve added immeasurably to the vitality of the Upper Valley at its annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration. The following are the event’s keynote remarks ...more
Heroes & Leaders: Creating a Vital Upper Valley
Every spring, Leadership Upper Valley, a program of Vital Communities, hosts the annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the Upper Valley. In 2019, we are pleased to honor ...more
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