Pitch in to make meaningful work happen.

Vermont’s parks and trails are not just used by locals. Vermont’s $1.5 billion outdoor recreation industry is growing. Its trails see significant foot (and ski and bicycle) traffic. Connectivity between trail networks, new trails, and maintaining existing trails are ongoing needs resulting in ample high-priority work for VYCC crews. Since 1985, VYCC crews have completed 1,566 trail projects.   

While some Members go on to take one of the 14,000+ jobs in outdoor recreation in Vermont, every Member takes away an appreciation for how to properly build and use trails.  

Limiting Factors 

Paying for these projects is a limiting factor. Each project is arranged with a project partner who contributes approximately two thirds of the full cost to complete the project. The primary reason for this is the time it takes staff to support young adults living outdoors in remote locations, and often in their first jobs: crew safety, skill development, and managing logistics are critically important.  

Support from the community supplements partners’ market-rate contributions. Engaging young people in this work, and helping them develop stewardship skills they can use for their lifetimes, pays dividends for decades.

Make a gift to support sustainable outdoor recreation.

A Health Care Share Member said, “I don’t have a car and only get to the grocery store about once every 3 weeks. Produce is my biggest expense. This summer, I went to the grocery store even less, but thanks to the Health Care Share, I had veggies every week. Thank you!”  

A Health Care Share Member said, “Having fresh vegetables improved my health. My bloodwork numbers came down 64 points and I will continue with more fresh vegetables to lower my bloodwork numbers.”   

A Food & Farm Program Leader wrote: “Thank you all for the impact that working at VYCC made in my life. It was the first time in my professional life that I’ve felt intellectually and physically stimulated on a regular basis. Farming education feels really right for me! I feel gratitude for all of you and the support you provided me with, I had such a positive and informative experience.” -Andy Bainton, 2022 Farm Leader 

The Health Care Share connects Vermont families with fresh, local food through their health care provider. Corps Members grow, harvest, and deliver organic vegetables every week.  

Health care providers identify patients who are managing food-insecurity and/or diet related illness. They provide funds consistent with VYCC’s fee-for-service model. 

The project reaches 420 households every year in five Vermont counties. Crews harvest and distribute approximately 70,000 pounds of organic produce each year.  

Limiting Factors and Opportunities

Farm operations rely on original buildings and old systems. We want to redesign spaces and improve infrastructure so the Farm can increase its output and provide relevant 21st century training for Corps Members.  

To lengthen the growing season, increase yield and reduce food waste, we are prioritizing the following investments: Upgraded irrigation; increased cooler and freezer space; enhancements in the commercial kitchen to increase food preservation.  

Make a gift to help us continuously strengthen the outcomes of our food access project.