Grow Food

We believe everyone has a farmer inside of them (even if you don’t)! We started by restoring the Giving Garden at Sticks & Stones Farm, and rallied a community to grow and donate fresh produce to food pantries. We now have two Giving Gardens in Newtown and are developing a Small Farm Model to replicate throughout the region.

We use regenerative practices to maximize production on small lots. By focusing on soil microbiology, pollinator activity, no-till techniques, and season extension, we never have to use any chemicals. These practices sequester carbon, save water, enhance our environment, and create the best tasting and most nutritious food.

We started with one food pantry in Newtown, CT, and now, in our sixth growing season we are supplying food to 15 organizations during our growing season.

  • If you are a farm with excess produce, please contact us so that we may add you as a donation partner. We can pick up at your farm or farmers market. See details.
  • If you are an organization within a 30-mile radius of Newtown, CT, and would like to receive fresh food donations on your schedule, please contact us.
  • If you are a resident who grows your own produce and has extra to donate, come and see us. come and see us. See our Get Involved page for seasonal hours and locations, or email info@realfoodct.org.

Support Local Farms

We have networked with every local farm and farmers market in our region. We collect surplus produce, glean unharvested crops in the field, and are working to make farmland and training available to new farmers. Locally produced is the healthiest, best tasting food on the planet.

If you have the means there is nothing more important for strengthening our regional food system than knowing who your local farms are and purchasing their products.

Education

Young Farmer Internships
Our Farmer Training Program teaches individuals, age 16-25, the foundations of farming, food production and distribution, and serving the food security needs of their local community while preparing them for jobs in the agriculture and food service space.

Grow Your Own Workshop Series
We teach our community members regenerative practices on how to set up successful home gardens for years to come. We share garden plans, resources, and take fun group trips to local farms. Stay tuned for information on 2024 sessions.

Food Blog
Check out all the happenings around Real Food CT and the local food scene in northern Fairfield County. We have webinars, local farm and market highlights, and information on food security, healthy food, and our role in a vibrant local food system. See Food Blog.

Events

GROW YOUR OWN GARDEN
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10am – 2pm
Sticks ‘N Stones Farm
171 Huntingtown Road, Newtown, CT

A wonderful way to kick off your spring gardening!  Join us for gardening tips from the experts. Featured guests include Nigel Palmer, author of The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments and Park City Harvest, authors of Grow to Eat, Grow to Heal, and Harvest Heroes.  RFCT’’s own Sean Fitzpatrick, founder, and Nancy Zychek, master gardener, will  be offering their expert advice to home gardeners.  The event will also feature a seedling sale, vendors, food and music.  

The money we raise goes directly to our efforts in getting fresh and nutritious locally grown food to hunger relief organizations in our area.

Annual Seed to Plate Fundraiser
Friday, August 9, 2024
6pm to 9 pm
NewSylum Brewing Company
36 Keating Farms Avenue, Newtown, CT

Join us at NewSylum on the beautiful grounds of Fairfield Hills for a celebration of the harvest.  Our renowned team of talented chefs will offer up the bounty of local farms for a unique and unforgettable dining experience.  We are excited to welcome back Steve Forgione of Phinney’s, Pam Buchler of Aquarian Caterers, Matt Kirshner of Uncle Matt’s Cafe, and Genee Habansky of Herbaceous Catering.  Amber Anchor will return to provide music for the event.  

Stay tuned... Tickets and additional information for each of these events will be announced closer to each date.