House Meeting III: State of Food Recap
We gathered in community with over 25 neighbors, organizers, farmers, food advocates, and local leaders, to discuss the realities of food access, ownership, and sustainability across Hartford and statewide.
Led by Thorne and Vee of the Community Food Club, we wanted this conversation to spark inspiration around where the gaps exist in our current food systems and what actions we can take to move toward a new food economy that actually works and culturally represents us.
Represented neighborhoods included Asylum Hill, Blue Hills, West End, Parkville, Frog Hollow, North End, Behind the Rocks, Wethersfield, West Hartford, New Britain, East Hartford, and Berlin.
Our discussion highlighted that Connecticut is often positioned as a state of consumers rather than producers, and that this reality shapes our food systems—how and where we shop, how much we spend on fresh food, and the ways food is distributed and owned.
In the room, we had Paul, a local farmer and distributor; Terri, a local grower and herbalist; and Dani, a Food Access Specialist at Hands On Hartford, each sharing their firsthand experience with the current food system in Connecticut.
Paul shared that after 20 years of farming, he is stepping away from traditional selling models and instead giving fresh produce away, partnering with food pantries like Hands on Hartford, and teaching others how to create their own growing spaces.
“Our food system is owned by a small number of corporations, and communities must take back ownership.”
Dani shared that Hands On Hartford currently supports around 1,000 families each month, prioritizing milk, eggs, and fresh meat within their pantries. While feeling the loss of federal funding, HoH continues striving to meet the same level of need with fewer resources.
Terri spoke about her work since 2020 with the Keney Park Sustainability Project, including garden tending, herb cultivation, and intentionally growing produce to give away. Her work emphasizes food sovereignty, environmental care, and community wellness.
We discussed existing organizations and efforts doing critical work, including: Fire by Forge & Windsor Hunger Action Team.
We also heard from Meg Hourigan of the City Food Policy Commission, who shared opportunities for engagement around farmers' markets, nutrition vouchers, outreach strategies, and policy advocacy.
Upcoming meetings include:
May 20 (afternoon): Administrative meeting
May 20 (evening): Farmers market-focused discussion
“We must own more of our food, connect more deeply to food policy work, and ensure that systems like housing and food access are truly affordable and accessible to our communities.”
MAH is rooted in relationships and in letting personal stories drive political action and change. We are walking away with the immediate building of relationships and opportunities for collaboration:
Max's Offer: Hydroponic and biology experience
Bizzie's Ask: Support for a cooking program at the Albany Branch Library to inspire youth around clean and culturally relevant food.
Brianna's Ask: Volunteers interested in farming and harvesting with Hands On Hartford’s community garden.
Henny's Offer: Advertising support for future projects.
“In these spaces, we can figure it out.”
What’s Next: Offers & Needs Market – June 7th 3-6pm
Please mark your calendars! This gathering will be especially important for those working in, or interested in continuing, the conversation around food.
We encourage everyone from this meeting to attend and bring both what you can offer and what you need.
