Over $800,000 in funds were recently granted to over 20 projects to help increase access to fresh, locally grown foods for Connecticut’s school children.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture said that $837,900 in funds are being distributed through the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program, which will support 21 innovative projects across the state. Officials say the initiatives are expected to impact more than 58,500 children by increasing access to locally grown foods and enhancing farm-to-school connections.
“This investment reflects our commitment to nourishing both the minds and bodies of Connecticut’s youth,” Connecticut Department of Agriculture commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a statement. “By connecting children with fresh, local food and agricultural education, we’re cultivating healthier communities and a stronger local economy.”
Through the latest round of funding, the grant program aims to strengthen Connecticut’s local food system by fostering partnerships between schools, early childhood education centers, farmers and community organizations, according to the agency. The grant program received 41 applications for the full grant awards with funding requests exceeding $1.6 million, according to officials. The projects, which were reviewed by a committee, have individual award amounts ranging from $12,000 to $50,000.
“Through continued support from the Lamont-Bysiewicz administration and legislature, the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program continues to integrate the state’s robust agriculture sector in traditionally non-agriculture communities,” Hurlburt said. “As program demand increases, we continue to refine our program guidance to ensure the funds are utilized in meaningful ways to increase access to CT Grown farm products.”
The organizations awarded grant funding for projects are Green Village Initiative, Inc. in Bridgeport; Mansfield Discovery Depot in Mansfield; Riverfront Children’s Center in Groton; Stepping Stones Museum for Children LLC in Norwalk; The Cozy Den Childcare LLC in New Haven; Women’s League Child Development Center in Hartford; City Seed in New Haven; 3 Valley Street An Intergenerational Organization Inc. in New Haven; Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport; and Yoco Roots LLC in Hartford.
In addition, several school districts received grants, including the Ashford School District; Brass City Charter School District in Waterbury; Cheshire School District; East Hampton School District; Franklin Elementary School in North Franklin; Great Path Academy at CT State Manchester; Middle College Magnet School in Manchester; Marlborough Elementary School; Newtown Board of Education; and Plainville School District.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].