Salvation Farms announces new food processing hub in Morso, Vermont

The House Agriculture Committee meeting held on March 21, 2025, in Vermont focused on the critical work of Salvation Farms, an organization dedicated to reducing food loss and enhancing food security in local communities. Executive Director Kelly Dolan provided an overview of the organization's mission, which aims to foster a future where local farms can effectively feed local communities by addressing agricultural surplus.

Dolan highlighted that approximately 14.3 million pounds of vegetables and berries from Vermont farms are lost each year due to various factors, including market specifications and labor shortages. At the same time, food insecurity affects nearly 40% of Vermonters, emphasizing the need for initiatives that connect surplus food with those in need. Salvation Farms works to bridge this gap by partnering with charitable food sites and institutional buyers, such as schools and prisons, to distribute surplus food.

A significant development discussed during the meeting was the establishment of a food processing hub, funded by a $500,000 state appropriation. This hub, located in a former pharmacy in downtown Morso, will focus on aggregating and minimally processing surplus food. The initiative aims to reduce costs for institutions while providing employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. Dolan noted that this hub will play a vital role in enhancing farm viability and economic development in Vermont's rural communities.

Tony Rizzicano, the program director, elaborated on the current operations of Salvation Farms, which include product development and market testing in collaboration with local partners. The organization is also exploring workforce development opportunities to train individuals for jobs in the food processing sector, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state.

The meeting underscored the importance of creating sustainable solutions to food loss and insecurity in Vermont, with Salvation Farms positioned as a key player in fostering community resilience and supporting local agriculture. The committee expressed support for the organization's initiatives and the potential impact of the new processing hub on the local economy and food system.