Thanksgiving with Vermont Fresh Network

Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets and the Vermont Fresh Network once again encourage those looking toward a traditional Thanksgiving dinner that Vermont’s local farms are ready to help. Ingredients from the turkey to the stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, pies and local beverages and spirits can be found at a local farm, farmers market or store.

Vermont is home to many turkey farms and diversified farming operations raising turkeys across the state, just in time for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. In Vermont, nearly 48,000 turkeys and chickens were produced in 2016.

To help locate the best bird and other ingredients to grace the holiday table, check out the Vermont Fresh Network’s Local Holiday Meal Finder at tinyurl.com/mus4rk7r. To add a little extra “spirit” to the spread, visit VFN’s Cider and Wine Pairings for the Holiday Table at tinyurl.com/4ky43rbd.

“Buying a Vermont turkey supports our rural communities. We are grateful for our farmers for their commitment to producing fresh food during this season of giving thanks,” said Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Thank you, farmers, for feeding us on this day and every day.”

The Vermont Fresh Network can help connect residents to a local farm and farmer near them, for a fresh Thanksgiving feast for the family.

Vermonters can also find farm fresh dinner ingredients for their turkey dinner at the same time.

“Thanksgiving is a time for us to celebrate with our family, our friends and our farmers. A Vermont farm locally raised grown turkey and a locally sourced Thanksgiving dinner offers the freshest ingredients for a truly delicious meal and celebrates the best of the working landscape,” said Tara Pereira, executive director of the Vermont Fresh Network. “Food grown in Vermont pairs perfectly with our local wine and cider.”

Along with local turkeys, produce and spirits, the Vermont Fresh Network can connect residents with more local products for holiday meals and beyond. Visit DigInVT.com, an interactive website for authentic agricultural and culinary events and experiences in Vermont.