Small independent distributors urge investment in refrigerated cross‑docking, meat packaging and business support to keep Vermont food flowing

Jake Claro, a staff member, convened a panel of small independent food distributors on Tuesday to describe how local logistics gaps threaten Vermont producers’ access to markets and to outline practical investments that could strengthen the middle of the state’s food supply chain.

“[They are] playing a crucial role in helping Vermont reach its food system strategic goals,” Jake Claro said, summarizing why small distributors matter to farm viability and market access.

Annie, founder of Myers Produce, said her business has operated since 2013 and now works with roughly 200 producers and 200–300 customers per season. Myers runs six trucks and three vans, maintains a primary warehouse in western Massachusetts and rents aggregation space from the CAE food hub in Hardwick. “We offer distribution, refrigerated transportation, and storage and cross‑docking,” Annie said, describing services that allow small farms to sell beyond local markets without taking on full self‑distribution.

Seth, owner of Pumpkin Village Foods, said his firm buys and resells about $600,000 of product annually, delivers to roughly 80 locations and works with about 32 producers; the business also performs $300,000–$350,000 in custom delivery work. Kathy Killam, owner of Killam Sales and Distribution, described a one‑vehicle model focused on very small producers and farm stands that relies…