Helping guide the next phase of food system infrastructure, farm viability, and community access in Connecticut
Real Food CT is a Connecticut-based nonprofit strengthening regional food systems by connecting farms to food access partners, reducing on-farm waste, and expanding access to fresh, locally grown food for communities facing food insecurity.
Over the past several years, Real Food CT has grown from a small, volunteer-driven effort into a high-impact regional organization working with dozens of farms and food access partners across the state. In 2025 alone, the organization tripled its food distribution volume while deepening farmer relationships and operational capacity.
Real Food CT is now entering a deliberate growth phase focused on infrastructure, long-term sustainability, and systems-level impact.
The Opportunity
Real Food CT is expanding its Board of Directors to support the organization’s next phase of development. This is an active governance role for individuals who bring experience with complex growth, large projects, and financial stewardship.
The organization is moving beyond incremental program expansion toward infrastructure-level work that strengthens farm viability, improves logistics and aggregation, and builds durable regional capacity. Board leadership is essential to ensuring this work is done responsibly, strategically, and in alignment with mission.
Who We Are Seeking
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Executive leadership or senior management in complex organizations
• Prior board service with growing nonprofits, social enterprises, or public-private initiatives
• Financial strategy, capital planning, or oversight of large or multi-year budgets
• Large-scale project development, infrastructure, or systems building
• Philanthropy, investment, or fundraising aligned with mission-driven work
• Governance, risk management, and long-term organizational accountability
We are seeking board members who are comfortable engaging at a strategic level and who understand what it takes to move from strong programs to durable institutions.
Board Responsibilities
Board members of Real Food CT are expected to:
• Provide fiduciary oversight and governance
• Support long-term strategic planning and organizational growth
• Serve on committees aligned with expertise and organizational needs
• Contribute to financial sustainability through fundraising, partnerships, or strategic guidance
• Act as ambassadors for Real Food CT within professional and community networks
This role requires meaningful engagement and is best suited for individuals who are ready to contribute time, insight, and leadership during a critical growth period.
Why This Moment Matters
Connecticut’s food system is at an inflection point. Persistent food insecurity, rising costs for farmers, and fragmented infrastructure require solutions that are coordinated, financially viable, and built to last.
Real Food CT has demonstrated that its model works. The work ahead is about scaling that impact responsibly and building systems that can serve communities for generations.
Board leadership at this stage will directly shape how that future is built.
Learn More or Express Interest
Individuals interested in learning more about Board service with Real Food CT are encouraged to reach out for a conversation. We are also grateful for referrals to qualified candidates who share a commitment to strengthening Connecticut’s food system.
Contact Executive Director Sean Fitzpatrick by email, sean@realfoodct.org. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
