Press releases
08/12/2022
Governor Lamont Highlights Expansion of Food Assistance Programs to Increase Access to Locally Grown Foods 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 state’s food assistance programs to provide greater access to food locally grown fresh at Connecticut farmers markets.
National Farmers Market Week, which runs this year from August 7-13, is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role that farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. There are more than 200 certified farmers markets and farm stands in Connecticut, which can be located 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 approved several changes to the state’s food assistance programs aimed at ensuring that households of all income levels have access to nutritious food, fresh and locally grown, while supporting Connecticut. farmers
At the Middletown Farmers Market, approximately 90% of customers are seniors who use these programs, which include the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, 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 achieve healthy food for everyone.” Governor Lamont said. “Also, supporting farmers markets means supporting Connecticut’s agriculture industry and the jobs it supports. I encourage everyone to visit one of our state’s many farmers markets and pick up some produce from Connecticut.”
During the most recent legislative session, the Grain Market Nutrition Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, received additional funding for eligible individuals to redeem checks at certified farmers markets and farm stands. Eligible people include seniors over 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 fruits, vegetables, eggs, cut herbs and honey.
Many Connecticut farmers markets 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 markets to ‘farmers double purchases made with SNAP. benefits.
“Connecticut Farmers Markets are a collective effort that encourages direct-to-consumer sales, strengthens the farm-to-plate connection and provides a crucial entry point for new and beginning farmers.” Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said. “Farmers markets fuel local economies and provide greater access to nutritious, fresh Connecticut foods for our most vulnerable populations.”
“Nutrition is vitally important, especially for older adults,” Amy Porter, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, said. “We are pleased to promote the Senior Market Nutrition Program, which increases access to fresh food for seniors. These coupons are available through many senior centers, municipal agents and other service providers.”
Connecticut’s agriculture industry contributes $4 billion to the state’s economy and supports more than 21,000 jobs.
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