Food pantries need healthy food options. Local farmers produce the most nutrient-dense food and are no more than a few miles away from the nearest hunger-relief organization. The Real Food Fund exists to pay our local farmers for what they do best and get nutritious food to our neighbors that need it the most. This is a program long overdue in the State of Connecticut and we’re excited to bring it to Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties.

Together let’s support local farmers, service organizations, and upgrade our local food system to better support our community.

First Two Years 2022-2024

The program is being launched on funding from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Program which utilizes USDA funding at the state level. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is distributing and managing this special grant opportunity in hopes and expectation that this program can be transformed into a permanent part of our State food system plan.

Future

We are calling on residents, donors, donor funds, and grant providers from Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties to support the development and sustainability of the Real Food Fund moving forward. A priority will be placed on new and beginning farmers, BIPOC (Black, indigenous, person of color), LGBTQ+, and women-run farms. Our goal will be to raise $150K a year into the Real Food Fund on an annual basis to continue supporting yearly contracts for our local farm-to-pantry network.

Even more exciting is the possibility to connect the Real Food Fund as a built-in contract for our Small Farm Model expansion which will be kicking off in 2023. Stay tuned for more exciting details!

Want to Join the Action?

Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven farmers are invited to express interest in the Real Food Fund (RFF). A limited number of farms will be added to this project in 2022 as w. Farms are invited to express interest in participating by completing the interest form so that they may be considered for participation in this or future seasons.

Before submitting an interest form, read this FAQ. When you are ready, email our Executive Director Sean Fitzpatrick at sean@realfoodct.org for an initial conversation.

Real Food Fund FAQ

Connecticut farmers are invited to express interest in a new Real Food CT program, the Real Food Fund (RFF).

Download: Real Food Fund FAQ

* USDA Local Food Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program