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
Special Sessions for VT & NH Legislators
Vital Communities is hosting four virtual meetings for legislators in the Upper Valley region, from both New Hampshire and Vermont, connecting them with key voices and resource people on critical issues. Home Availability in Our Region Wed, ...more
Crowdfunding Available for NH Projects
New Hampshire businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, community initiatives: Do you have an incredible project just waiting to happen? Want to grow your organization, our community, and the local economy, but don’t have access to capital? The ...more
One stop shop for VT green transportation news!
Some of our friends in Burlington have put together a super cool online resource called Vermont Goes Green for everything related to green transportation in Vermont — it's an events calendar and a clearinghouse for ...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
Housing Help in New Hampshire!
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) include shelters, rental assistance for both eviction prevention and rapid re-housing, security deposit loan program, tenant services, supported housing programs and facilities, outreach/coordinated entry, commodity foods distribution, commodity supplemental food program ...more
Why Bank Locally?
Where You Bank Makes a Difference! When you use a bank or credit union rooted in our community, you're making a conscious choice to support our local economy. Local First Champion member Mascoma Bank is a ...more
Have an Idea That Could Use a Lift?
New Hampshire Businesses, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits, Community Initiatives: Do you have an incredible project just waiting to happen? Want to grow your organization, our community, and the local economy, but don’t have access to capital? The Local Crowd ...more
Study Underscores the Benefits of Buying Local
A study commissioned by Vital Communities finds that, for every dollar they earn, local retailers and restaurants return a share to the local community that’s up to four times as big as that of chain ...more
Fall Guided Quest in Wilder, VT
Join Vital Communities’ Valley Quest Coordinator Sandy Gmur along with Roy Black, lifelong resident of Wilder and a member of the Hartford Historical Society, on a guided exploration of the historic village of Wilder. Did ...more
Fall 2020 Transit Updates!
Just in time for fall and back-to-school, there are some exciting transit updates from both sides of the river! Tri-Valley Transit (formerly Stagecoach) has a new midday route on the 89er South route. This route connects ...more
How to Commute Safely During the Pandemic
Even with the need for physical distancing and many people working from home, transit and carpooling are available for those who need them. Here is some information on how to use each safely these days. Riding ...more
Quests Along the Cross Rivendell Trail
Do you hope to do a longer hike before the good weather ends? Do you enjoy a challenge? We have a way for you to attain these goals! Two of our Quests incorporate sections of ...more
Weatherize Webinar, August 17
Weatherize Webinar with NHSaves Monday, August 17 at Noon Did Covid-19 stop your 2020 weatherization plans in their tracks? NOW is the right time to jump back on the weatherize band wagon. Lower energy bills and cozy ...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
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
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
Photo Gallery
