Press Releases
Governor Lamont Highlights Expansion of Food Assistance Programs To Increase Access to Locally Grown Food at Connecticut Farmers Markets
(MIDDLETOWN, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont visited the Middletown Farmers Market today to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and highlight the recent expansion of the food assistance programs of -state to provide greater access to fresh, locally grown food at farmers markets in Connecticut. This may interest you : Children are being encouraged to eat junk food on holiday with a UK government campaign.
National Farmers Market Week, which this year runs from August 7 to 13, is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role that farmers markets play in the food system. of the nation. There are more than 200 certified farmers markets and farm stands in Connecticut, which can be found by visiting www.ctgrown.gov/farmersmarkets. An interactive map of Connecticut farmers markets can be found at www.ctgrown.org.
Over the past two years, Governor Lamont and the state legislature have approved several changes to the state’s food assistance programs with the goal of ensuring that families of all income levels have access for nutritious, fresh, locally grown food, while at the same time supporting Connecticut’s connectivity. farmers.
At the Middletown Farmers Market, approximately 90% of customers are seniors who use these programs, which include the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and CT Fresh Match.
“Every individual should have access to nutritious food regardless of whether they live in a rural, suburban or urban neighborhood, and by expanding our food assistance programs to increase the ability to accept these benefits at farmers markets , we can deliver healthy food to everyone. ,” said Governor Lamont. “Additionally, supporting farmers’ markets means supporting Connecticut’s agriculture industry and the jobs this sector sustains. I strongly encourage everyone to visit one of our state’s many farmers markets and pick up some Connecticut Grown produce.”
During the most recent legislative session, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, received additional funding for eligible individuals to cash checks at farmers markets and certified farm stands. Eligible individuals include seniors over the age of 60, and women, infants, and children who meet certain guidelines. Eligible participants can receive up to $32.00 in checks through this program, which can be used to purchase fresh Connecticut-grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, cut vegetables and honey.
Many farmers markets in Connecticut also accept SNAP benefits, with some offering to double those benefits. To further this, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture this year used $200,000 in funding it received from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand the CT Fresh Match program, which is administered by End Hunger CT and allows farmers markets to double customer purchases made with SNAP. benefits.
“Connecticut’s farmers markets are a collective effort that fosters direct-to-consumer sales, that strengthens the farm-to-plate connection, and that provides a crucial entry point for new and beginning farmers,” said Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Farmers markets fuel local economies and provide greater access to nutritious, fresh Connecticut-grown food for our most vulnerable populations.”
“Nutrition is very important, particularly for older adults,” said Commissioner Amy Porter of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability. “We are pleased to promote the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which increases access to fresh food for older adults. These coupons are available through many senior centers, municipal agents, and other service providers.”
Connecticut’s agriculture industry generates $4 billion in the state’s economy and fosters more than 21,000 jobs.
