Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month!
March 1-31, 2026
Newcomers move to Vermont from all over, and often the end of their first Winter can be an especially challenging time. We want to turn that around and help make March a month full of nourishing meals, new friends, & neighborly connections!
Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Vital Communities and Chandler Center for the Arts, are encouraging local residents (hosts) of Orange and Windsor County, Vermont to invite new Vermonters (newcomers) out for a meal during the month of March 2026.
We will reimburse local hosts up to $50 for a meal with a new Vermonter. Valid expenses could include a breakfast, lunch, or dinner out on the town anywhere in Orange or Windsor County, Vermont.
So what are you waiting for? Go Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner!
Not in Windsor or Orange County? Learn about what other parts of the state are doing by visiting the Vermont Welcome Wagon website here.
Ready to reserve your spot? Apply below while funds last!
How does it work?
HOW TO FIND A HOST or A NEW VERMONTER
Are you local and not sure where to find a new Vermonter? First, join the Upper Valley Welcome Wagon if you haven't already. Then fill out the application and we can connect you with someone new in your area! Consider new neighbors who may have come from away, or perhaps a new family in your school, someone you know from a volunteer organization, or a fellow participant in a fitness class or sports league. Hosts should not be related to the chosen newcomers, but other than that, invite anyone you like -- coworker, neighbor, fellow parent at your kids' school, etc.
WHO IS A "NEW VERMONTER"?
New Vermonters are defined as folks who have moved (or returned) to Vermont within the last 2 years. Due to grant funding requirements, new residents participating in this program must have relocated after March 1, 2024.
WHO CAN INITIATE THE INVITATION?
This is primarily a “host-side” initiative, to empower longtime locals to become “hosts” and think of new Vermonters they can extend the welcome to. If you’re a newcomer, we absolutely want to get you connected as well. Fill out the application, and join the Upper Valley Welcome Wagon if you haven't already, and we'll connect you with a someone!
HOW WILL I GET REIMBURSED?
The host must complete the Meal Reimbursement Form (emailed to you after your application is approved) within 1-week of your meal or before Wednesday, April 1st at 5PM EST (whichever comes first). You will be required to provide the newcomer's contact info, a photo from the meal, and an itemized receipt. You'll receive your reimbursement as a check up to $50 towards your meal that will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks.
WHERE CAN WE GO EAT?
Any restaurant in Orange or Windsor County, Vermont!
REIMBURSEMENT POLICY FOR ALCOHOL
Due to grant funding requirements, alcohol expenses can not be reimbursed. Please feel free to enjoy a local brew or alcoholic beverage during your meal, just know it must be on a separate receipt in order for you to be reimbursed for the meal.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE APPRECIATED
Thank you for helping welcome our new neighbors!
Restaurant Partners
(coming soon)
Are you a restaurant owner and interested in partnering with us? Reach out!
