Elevating Opportunities for Small and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in Connecticut Through Local Procurement.
Executive Summary The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) will administer the LFPA program funds through (1) a partnership with the only statewide food bank (Feeding America affiliate) and (2) through a competitive grant program serving non-TEFAP affiliated food pantries, nonprofits and social service organizations. Both avenues allow for sub awards to local organizations to purchase and distribute CT grown farm products.
CT DoAg shall foster in-state relationships and build sustainable market opportunities for CT producers, with an emphasis on supporting small and socially disadvantaged producers to increase the amount of fresh, local farm product distributed to underserved populations in the state. Some food may be procured within the 400 miles allowed under the program. CT DoAg also aims to increase awareness of federal and state nutrition assistance benefits which can be used to purchase CT Grown farm products through the distribution of outreach materials to program recipients. Through DoAg’s work with partners and affiliated stakeholders, sharing of best practices and successes, the department hopes to foster sustainable new markets for purchasing CT Grown local products especially from socially disadvantaged producers for underserved populations.
A reference is made in the LIGNMENT
Requested Funds. $2.64 million
Project Beneficiaries. CT DoAG estimate that 50 or more producers will benefit from this program