The House Agriculture meeting held on February 12, 2025, at Hazen Union School focused on the impactful "Recipe for Human Connection" class, which is supported by the Farm to School Vision Grant. The class emphasizes the role of food in fostering community connections through activities such as shared recipes, cooking, and community meals.

During the meeting, a representative highlighted the class's success in reviving a beloved community meal in Hardwick that had been discontinued during the pandemic. Students from Hazen Union School now prepare and serve a free meal each month, utilizing local ingredients and engaging over 100 community members. This initiative not only promotes local food systems but also enhances social resilience and food security within the community.

The representative encouraged attendees to support continued funding for the Farm to School and Early Childhood programs, which are vital for the success of such initiatives. Ginger Valley, an eleventh-grade student, shared her personal experience with the class, noting how it helped her build confidence and improve her social skills. She described the joy of cooking together and interacting with community members during the meals, emphasizing the importance of communication in these activities.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for ongoing support of local food programs, underscoring their significance in nurturing both students and the broader community.