Local Food Access at Risk: Ellington Farmers Market Navigates Major Funding Gap

ELLINGTON, CT — The Ellington Farmers Market is facing a challenging financial crossroads following the loss of $9,500 in funding from End Hunger CT. These funds were instrumental in supporting the market’s SNAP matching programs, which help neighbors in need stretch their food budgets to include fresh, local produced foods.

For a small, community-run nonprofit, a gap of this size is substantial. However, market organizers have made it clear: they are committed to self-funding these matching programs through the power of community support rather than seeing them disappear.

The Power of 60: A Race to $6,000

An urgent opportunity has emerged to help bridge this deficit. Sustainable CT has stepped in with a high-impact matching challenge, but it requires a collective effort from the community to unlock.

For a limited time, Sustainable CT will match donations up to $6,000, provided the market can reach a goal of at least 60 individual donors. This "crowdfunded" approach means that every person who gives—no matter the amount—counts toward the goal of securing the full match.

Why Your Support Matters

"For a tiny nonprofit like us, this leaves a real gap," the market shared in a statement. The SNAP matching program is a lifeline for many families, ensuring that the farmers market remains an inclusive space where healthy, local food is a right, not a privilege. Beyond helping families, this funding plays a vital role in the local economy by ensuring that SNAP dollars go directly into the hands of our small-scale area farmers, helping their businesses thrive.

By donating by May 9th, residents can ensure that their contribution goes twice as far, helping the market recover from the grant loss and maintain its dedicated service to the town.

How to Help

To participate in the match and help the market reach its 60-donor goal, please visit the official fundraising page:

• Donate at: patronicity.com/efm
• Donations can also be mailed to: Ellington Farmers Market, 105 Pinnacle Rd, Ellington CT. 06029
• Questions? contact info@ellingtonfarmersmarket.org