VSJF proudly serves as the backbone organization for New England Feeding New England (NEFNE), a 10-year initiative led by the New England Food System Planners Partnership (NEFSPP). Our shared goal: 30% of the food consumed in New England is regionally produced by 2030.
Building a Resilient Regional Food System Together
NEFSPP is a collaboration between seven state-level food system organizations and representatives from the six-state agricultural, economic and environmental departments in New England. NEFNE is the Partnership’s primary initiative and is driving coordinated action across the region to shift food sourcing closer to home.
Our Impact
Regional food system planners gathered in October at Lake Morey Resort for the annual New England Food System Planners Partnership retreat. Photo by Kelly Nottermann.
To measure our progress towards the 30% x 2030 goal, NEFNE conducts Local Food Counts across all six states—using the same methodology we’ve used in Vermont to measure our success in growing local food sales from 5% in 2011 to 10% in 2020. The 2025 count is underway with results expected in late 2026. Thanks to newly available NielsenIQ data, we are updating our 2022 Local Food Count with deeper insights into regional purchasing at supercenters, grocery chains, and convenience stores. This will give us a clearer picture of where we’re gaining ground and where we need to push harder.
Beyond the Count—Catalyzing Regional Action
The Partnership is also advancing key strategies to strengthen the regional food system, including:
- Supply Chain Investment and Coordination: Through the USDA’s Regional Food Systems Infrastructure Program, we’re helping build a more connected, efficient food system.
- Land Production and Crop Analysis: Understanding what we can grow more of in the region and where it is essential to scaling regional food distribution.
- Capital Alignment: We’re bringing together funders, lenders, and investors to strategically organize around the capital needs of food system businesses across New England.
- Retail Grocers: In 2026, modeled after the successful Vermont Retail Grocers Project, initiatives will begin to assist independently owned retail grocers across the region to source and merchandize more regional food products.
Learn more about New England Feeding New England at nefoodsystemplanners.org.