Posted on January 13, 2023
The Department of Agriculture announced Hunts Brook Farm in Waterford has been awarded $5,000 to purchase and install a high tunnel to allow for year-round lettuce production for sale to area public schools as part of the second round of Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture awarded $452,268 to 32 Public School Districts, Early Childcare Providers, Non-Profits, and Small Businesses to Develop Farm-to-School Programs under the program.
Established under P.A. 21-0002, S. 364, these awards will increase the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to use hands-on educational techniques to teach students about nutrition and farm-to-school connections, sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of children in the state and enhance the state’s economy.
Eligible entities were able to apply for up to $24,999 in funding with no match required for projects that fit within four tracks:
The program received 72 applications totaling $1,022,285 in requested grant funds. Selection was highly competitive, and the review was conducted by a statutorily authorized review panel and Commissioner Hurlburt. This is the second round of the pilot program, which was funded for two years through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative (FTSC).
To learn more about the CTG4CTK Grant, including success stories from previous recipients, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/ADaRC/ADaRC/Grants/CT-Grown-for-CT-Kids-Grant/Success-Stories.