Norwich Food Security Program Receives $100K Boost From State

NORWICH, CT — The state is releasing $1.55 million in state grants to 12 entities, including funding for a Norwich 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.

St. Vincent de Paul Place Norwich, Inc. is receiving $100,000 through the program. The organization will provide Connecticut-grown food through its pantry and meal programs to thousands of individuals and families across southeastern Connecticut, including seniors, children, and households facing economic hardship.

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.”