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Farmers’ Market Produce Access Program

East Hartford Lions Club and Town Partnership to Address Food Insecurity
Posted on: July 10, 2023 - 2:28pm
Farmers’ Market Produce Access Program

The Town of East Hartford is excited to announce a partnership with the East Hartford Lions Club to improve fresh produce access for residents experiencing food insecurity. The local chapter of Lions Club International generously donated $5,000 to help East Hartford residents get fresh fruits and vegetables provided by the East Hartford Farmers’ Market.

An estimated 18% of East Hartford adults experience food insecurity, and do not have enough money to buy food for themselves or their families.  “Individuals and families have been negatively impacted by higher living expenses due to inflation, especially the cost of groceries,” said Director of Health Laurence Burnsed.  “We’re fortunate to have the Lions Club answer the call to serve our community by helping low-income residents obtain fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables from the East Hartford Farmers’ Market.”

The farmers’ market access program will be administered by the East Hartford Social Services Division.  The purpose of the program is to provide residents with vouchers to attain fresh produce at the East Hartford farmers’ market. The target population are residents in need of food assistance that meet the following criteria:

  • East Hartford residents;
  • Income under 225% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines; and
  • Not currently receiving assistance from other government food voucher programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers’ market nutrition program or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Residents interested in applying, have questions eligibility, or about other assistance programs, can contact the East Hartford Social Services Division at (860) 291-7226 or 7248, or visit the social services office located in room 109 of the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108.