Hunger Mountain Co-op is committed to our mission of building a dynamic community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce. One way we make that mission a reality is through the Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund (HMCCF). 

The HMCCF has focused its efforts on supporting small, diverse, local initiatives with grants designed to accomplish specific outcomes. The fund favors projects focused on alleviating food insecurity but also aims to support growing local businesses and strengthening the food system in general. Since 2011, they have distributed 109 grants totaling $141,667 to our central Vermont community. 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. 

“In recent years, grants from the Co-op have made a huge difference for over 100 wonderful projects in our communities,” says Matt Levin, a long-time Co-op member who serves on the HMCCF committee. “These have included educational projects on food and nutrition, planting community gardens and orchards, helping new food-related businesses get started and established, construction of key infrastructure projects like community kitchens, and supporting efforts to ensure everyone has access to healthy food.” 

Matt Levin, HMCCF Committee 

In 2025, twelve community grants totaling $26,235 were awarded to the following organizations. 

Plainfield Community Meal for ingredients for one year of free community meals. 

Twin Valley Senior Center to purchase locally sourced food for meal deliveries to elderly and disabled neighbors. 

Tilia Tea Company to help transition a 1/3-acre urban lot to an organic tea garden. 

Downstreet Housing and Community Development to create a food shelf at the Speranza Inn, one of their shelters. 

Feast Senior Meals to support student-led menu development and meal preparation featuring local, seasonal food items. 

Montpelier Community Table for equipment to assist in serving free community lunches five days a week in Montpelier. 

Salvation Farms for a walk-in cooler to support their gleaning program. 

Just Basics for improved signage at the food pantry and for the piggy banks around town that raise funds for the organization.  

Central Vermont Council on Aging in support of cooking classes focused on cooking on a budget for one or two people, particularly for elders. 

Cooperation Vermont to purchase solar refrigerators to make food accessible to community members even when the food pantry is not open.  

Morrisville Food Co-op for the purchase of a hood fan and oven for the Co-op café, effectively increasing their capacity to support local farmers and producers.  

*There was one grant made to an organization supporting refugees who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of their work.