The days spent at home during quarantine call for new routines, activities, and goals. For many of us, the sudden lack of a daily schedule lead us to crave structure and purpose. Together, we can address both. Join us in our Five for Farmers fundraising challenge to raise money for the Vermont Farm Fund's COVID-19 Relief Campaign and adopt a consistent running routine along the way.

How it works: For every participant who runs five days a week for the month of May, the Outdoor Center will donate $5 to the Vermont Farm Fund (VFF) each week. Our goal is to raise $1,000 - that's 50 people running 5 days a week for the four weeks of May. What "counts" as a run? Run at least 30' for your run to count. Mixing in walking is great too - whatever gets you outside and moving for 30'! We've partnered with Pete's Greens - who's owner and namesake Pete founded the Vermont Farm Fund - to offer challenge bonus prizes! Two lucky participants will be randomly selected to receive a 30% coupon to Pete's Greens Farmstand in Craftsbury.

The VFF Relief Campaign: Vermont farms and food businesses are already feeling the economic effects of the current public health crisis. In some cases, entire markets are temporarily lost while restaurants, schools, and farmers' markets are closed or on limited schedules. The Vermont Farm Fund offers emergency loans to farms experiencing such loss. As loans are repaid, funds are distributed to the next applicant experiencing growth or crisis, supporting Vermont's food system not only through today's crisis but through long-term growth. Through our donations, we can help ensure the resiliency of our local food system.

Head over to our Virtual Challenges page here for full details on how to enter and participate in the Five for Farmers fundraising challenge!