🌱 Free Meals In Burlington Schools + Bird Flu Warnings Issued

Hello again, Burlington! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Burlington Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Burlington Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Burlington long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Breezy; a morning shower. High: 50 Low: 11.

Here are the top three stories today in Burlington:

1. A bill to provide free universal meals in Vermont schools is being discussed by the House Education Committee. Free meals have been distributed within Burlington schools thanks to a waiver given by the USDA. Supporters of the bill argue that families will have a difficult time adjusting to the change in meal plans and are worried the current direction will take too long to implement. (WCAX)
2. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is asking Burlington farmers to be on the lookout for avian influenza. The bird flu strain has not been detected in Vermont yet but it has been detected in Canada, New Hampshire, Maine, and Long Island. This particular strain can kill an entire flock of chickens if it is not detected and stopped before it begins taking root in the state. (WCAX)
3. Burlington’s Ward 1 city council race has become ground zero in a debate centered around the city's police department and safety. Incumbent Zoraya Hightower voted to decrease the cap of officers the department allowed on payroll and voted to not confirm Chief Jon Murad as the permanent department head. These issues are why Rob Gutman is running to take Hightower's seat on the city council. Residents of Ward 1 can cast their votes on Mar. 1, 2022. (vtdigger.org)

From our sponsor:

Today's Burlington Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Burlington:

• Brattleboro Area Rug Social At The Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild (10:00 AM)
• Circuit Circus Festival At The Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• A storm will bring freezing rain, heightened river levels, and ice jams to the Burlington area. Click for the full weather report issued by the US National Weather Service Burlington VT. (Facebook)
• Two bunnies, John and George, have had their adoption fees waived by the Humane Society of Chittenden County. Click to see if these adorable bunnies would be a good fit with your family. (Facebook)
• Whether's you're "window shopping" or seriously looking to buy a home, check out Patch's local real estate roundup to see the latest listings in the Burlington area. (Burlington Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Add your event

Loving the Burlington Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.