Imagine a school where students harvest vegetables, tap maple trees, and study botany in a sprawling garden that doubles as a classroom. At Kindle Farm School, that’s the everyday reality—and thanks to the generous support of New Chapter, Inc., this innovative food and education program continues to thrive.
For over 13 years, New Chapter, a Brattleboro-based certified organic vitamin and supplement company, has been a steadfast partner to Kindle Farm. Their latest $9,500 donation in 2024 brought their total contributions to over $120,000—covering nearly 20% of the school’s food budget each year.
Kindle Farm isn’t your typical school. It’s a therapeutic day program serving 50 students in grades 3-12 who struggle in traditional educational settings. With an emphasis on relationships, hands-on learning, and movement, Kindle Farm provides a safe space for students to grow academically and personally.
More Than Just Meals
Kindle Farm’s food program is central to its mission. Every day, students receive three nutritious meals—completely free. The program goes beyond school hours as well, with monthly Foodbank bags and summer C.S.A. (Community Supported Agriculture) shares packed with fresh, school-grown produce for students’ families.
Director Drew Gradinger shares, “The gardens and edible landscaping make the campus feel healthy and therapeutic. Thanks to donors like New Chapter, we’ve even revamped our kitchen to prepare the 200+ meals we serve daily and involve students in developing critical life skills.”
Learning Through Living
Kindle Farm’s 2-acre garden is more than a source of food—it’s an open-air classroom. Students and staff work together to grow fruits and vegetables while exploring biology, botany, health, and even workforce development. The program connects students with the land, teaching stewardship and the value of community.
Gradinger reflects, “We’re so lucky to have a strong relationship with New Chapter. They’ve done everything from volunteering on campus to tapping our maple trees. Their support has been transformative for our students.”
A Relationship Rooted in Support
HCRS CEO, George Karabakakis, Ph.D., sums it up perfectly: “Kindle Farm is a one-of-a-kind program. New Chapter’s support over the years has made a major impact on the lives of our students. We can’t thank them enough.”
As Kindle Farm and New Chapter continue to grow their partnership, they’re proving that when a community comes together, the seeds of change can truly flourish.
Visit https://www.kindlefarm.org/ to learn more about Kindle Farm School.
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