Jessi Ruotolo

Real Food CT’s Statewide Gleaning Expansion: Help Us Grow a Connected Network

/ Food Systems, Impact Organizations, Local Food, Uncategorized

As we enter our sixth season at Real Food CT, our gleaning and surplus produce program has reached a pivotal moment. With over 60,000 pounds of fresh, healthy food already donated this season to 21 food pantries across Connecticut, it’s clear that the need, and the opportunity, has never been greater. Food insecurity is increasing, […]

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Fresh Food, Shared Forward — Our Community Fridge is Open!

/ Food Systems, Growing Food at Home, Local Food, Nutrition, Uncategorized

At Sticks and Stones Farm, nestled in the heart of Newtown, our community isn’t just growing food — we’re growing generosity. Thanks to the beautiful craftsmanship of our teammate Dave and milled pine from right here on the farm, we’ve built a walk-in cooler that now serves as our Community Fridge, a vital link in our

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A person is skillfully planting lettuce seedlings outdoors in a home garden.

Spring Planting Guide for Newtown & Northern Fairfield County

/ Growing Food at Home, Uncategorized

Hello, neighbors! Spring is finally settling in, and it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get planting. This time of year is full of energy, anticipation, and just a little impatience—especially when it comes to summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers. But right now, we’re in the sweet spot for cool-weather crops, early flowers,

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RFCT Little Sprouts is Back!

/ Kids, Uncategorized

Registration is OPEN for 2025!  Our Little Sprouts summer program is back! This hands-on garden class is perfect for young children to learn about planting, harvesting, and the joy of growing food. Classes are fun, educational, and a great way to get kids outdoors and connected to nature. Spots are limited, so help us spread the word and

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Join Us in the Garden! 🌱 Volunteer with RFCT This Spring!

/ Impact Organizations, Uncategorized

At RFCT, every seed we plant and every harvest we gather helps bring fresh, locally grown produce to those who need it most—and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you! We’re excited to announce our spring volunteer hours as we begin planting key crops like carrots, potatoes, onions, and lettuces across our two Newtown farm sites: 🌾 Volunteer

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📊 Part One: The State of Food Insecurity in Connecticut: What the Numbers Tell Us

/ Food Systems, Uncategorized

As Real Food CT works to connect fresh, locally grown produce with food-insecure communities across our state, we know we are only one part of a much larger—and growing—challenge. Recent reports confirm what we see on the ground every day: food insecurity is widespread, and rising costs continue to push more families into crisis. 🧾

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What is Gleaning? Learn More About Our Essential Service

/ Uncategorized

Gleaning: A Time-Honored Tradition, A Modern Solution to Food Waste For centuries, gleaning has been a practice deeply rooted in agricultural communities. Traditionally, it involved gathering leftover crops from fields after the harvest, ensuring that nothing went to waste. This time-honored tradition continues to hold immense significance today, offering a powerful solution to food waste

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