Senator Honig Applauds $200,000 Grant to Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

TORRINGTON — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today welcomed a $200,000 state grant to the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub in Torrington through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program.

The Northwest Connecticut Food Hub will use the funding to purchase food from local farms and distribute it to families across western Connecticut through schools, pantries, and community programs, strengthening the connection between district farms and the families who depend on them.

“This grant does two things at once: it gets fresh, locally grown food to families across our region who need it most, and it creates a reliable market for farms in Harwinton, Torrington, and the towns around them that are working hard to keep northwest Connecticut’s food supply strong,” Senator Honig said. “The Food Hub has built something real here, and this investment will help them keep building it.”

The grant is part of $1.55 million the state released today to 12 organizations statewide to purchase locally grown food for distribution to food-insecure residents. The grants are expected to benefit approximately 60,000 Connecticut residents statewide. The program was previously supported by federal funding and continues as a state-funded initiative following recent federal cuts.

“Every family should be able to access nutritious, locally grown food, and this program aims to eliminate barriers to healthy eating while also supporting Connecticut farmers and their operations,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “This program was effective when it was supported by federal funding, and by releasing these state dollars we can help ensure that it continues to function and its mission can endure.”

“Continued state support for these programs strengthens the link between Connecticut farmers and the communities they serve,” Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said. “By investing in expanded market access, we’re helping farms remain financially steady and creating room for new and beginning farmers to gain their footing. These efforts broaden the reach of Connecticut Grown food, reinforce our agricultural economy, and carry forward the administration’s commitment to a resilient, growing farm sector.”

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |