New London Food Security Program Receives $200K Boost From State

NEW LONDON, CT — The state is releasing $1.55 million in state grants to 12 entities, including funding for a New London program.

The grants will go to food pantries, community health centers, and nonprofits, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont.

The funds will be used to purchase healthy, Connecticut-grown products from local farmers for distribution to food-insecure populations.

The New London Community Meal Center, Inc. will receive a $200,000 grant through the program.

The funds will expand access to locally grown food through its meal programs, market, and new wellness hub, serving low-income residents and seniors across southeastern Connecticut.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program.

The program, which is now funded by the state, continues an initiative that had been previously supported by federal dollars and serves as a critical stop-gap measure following recent federal cuts.

“Every family should be able to access nutritious, locally grown food, and this program aims to eliminate barriers to healthy eating while also supporting Connecticut farmers and their operations,” Lamont said in a statement. “This program was effective when it was supported by federal funding, and by releasing these state dollars we can help ensure that it continues to function and its mission can endure.”

Sen. Martha Marx, D-New London, welcomed news of the grant.

“It’s a common-sense way to connect our agricultural initiatives and make sure no one in our community goes hungry, expanding residents’ access to healthy options in the process," she said in a statement.