The Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund (HMCCF) provides small grants to businesses, organizations, and initiatives aligned with our mission to build a dynamic community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, thriving cooperative commerce, and a more inclusive and anti-racist community. These grants, while modest, have proven successful in offering timely assistance to critical community services and providing incubation capital to developing businesses. 

Since 2011, the HMCCF has distributed over $102,000 in 89 small grants to our central Vermont community. Grants are awarded to community projects, food-based businesses, and community-based nonprofits working to support the local food system. These funds would not have been possible without the generosity of our member-owners and shoppers, who contribute to the fund, along with support from Twin Pines Cooperative Community Fund and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. Grants have historically ranged from $250 to $2,500 and are awarded annually. 

In 2023, the HMCCF awarded five grants for a total of $5,900.  

The Central Vermont Council on Aging received $1,500 to support their Growing Together initiative. This program connects volunteers with older gardeners in the community. This serves the dual purpose of linking community connection and access to healthy food.  

Circle received $1,500 for materials to run canning workshops at their shelter. This grant set them up with durable kitchen equipment to provide skills and healthy food to folks experiencing food insecurity for years to come. 

Glinnis Hill Farm received $1,000 to support their Solidarity CSA Shares. This allows folks who would not otherwise be able to afford a CSA share to access high-quality food and support their local farmer.  

The Ishtar Collective received $1,500 to help repair flood damage to their community farm, so they can continue to provide free, high-quality food to those in need.   

Migrant Justice received $400 to assist with technology investments that will help immigrant farm workers organize to improve their working conditions.  

Applications for this year’s grants will be available in July. Check our website and subscribe to our eNews mailing list for the latest information.