About Us
Our Roots
The Healthy Roots Collaborative (HRC) is a regional food systems program supporting the growers, producers, and consumers in Franklin and Grand Isle County. Healthy Roots provides programs and services for both consumers and producers in the Northwest Corner of Vermont that focus on food education, access and infrastructure. We envision a healthy Northwest Vermont with a community rooted in a strong agricultural economy with thriving farms, where all are connected to and nourished by local farms and food.
Our Team
“Our team is made up of local food lovers, farmers, advocates, health enthusiasts, adventurers, and teachers. We love to connect so please feel free to reach out!”
Christine Porcaro
Farm & Food Business Coordinator
Christine manages Farm and Food Business Support for the Healthy Roots Collaborative. This includes connecting growers and makers to new markets, providing grant writing and business plan assistance, marketing assistance and providing education/community building opportunities. Christine’s background is in farming and value-added products and as Farm and Food Business Coordinator, her priority is to find the best ways to support the growers and makers in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties so that we can continue to build a vibrant, sustainable economy.
Peter Jenkins
Gleaning Coordinator
Peter Jenkins coordinates the year-round Healthy Roots Food Access and Gleaning efforts. In the off season, Peter works on Farm to School efforts for Healthy Roots. Peter has a passion for working at the intersections of education and agriculture. He has a background in environmental education, program coordination, and farming. As Gleaning Coordinator, his priority is building strong relationships with farmers, volunteers, and produce recipient sites. Peter believes that access to healthy food is a human right and is dedicated to connecting more people to good food and to our local farm economy.
Advisory Committee
The Healthy Roots Collaborative was founded by partner organizations who advise the HRC projects and programs. These partner organizations include: