Ellington Farmers Market Launches Community Fundraising Campaign to Expand Access to Fresh Food

The Ellington Farmers Market has launched a new community fundraising campaign in partnership with Sustainable CT o help bring more fresh, locally grown food to families and seniors in need.

Last year, thanks to strong community support, the market helped put more than $50,000 worth of farm-fresh food into the kitchens of residents facing food insecurity. Now organizers hope to build on that success through a new Patronicity crowdfunding campaign designed to expand the program even further.

The market is working to raise $6,000, which will unlock a matching grant from Sustainable CT, effectively doubling the impact of community donations. If the goal is reached, the funds will help provide additional resources that make fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally produced foods more accessible to neighbors who might otherwise struggle to afford them.

Campaign organizers say community participation is key to unlocking the grant. At least 60 individual donors must contribute to the campaign for the match to be awarded. Donations of any size count toward that goal.

“Even a small contribution can make a big difference,” organizers said. “This program not only helps families and seniors access healthy food, it also supports our local farmers and strengthens the community.”

The Ellington Farmers Market has become a vital hub connecting local farms with residents while also helping address food access challenges in the region. Programs supported through the campaign help stretch food budgets while ensuring fresh, nutritious options remain available to those who need them most.

Community members interested in supporting the campaign can make a donation online at patronicity.com/efm.

You can also learn more about last year’s Sustainable CT Patronicity campaign in this interview with Market Manager Betty Reece: https://resources.patronicity.com/blog/2026/03/patron-in-the-city-betty-reece-ellington-farmers-market/

Organizers encourage residents to share the campaign and help spread the word so the market can reach its goal and continue expanding access to fresh, local food throughout the community.