Connecticut Profile

Farm to School programs come in many shapes and sizes unique to the communities that build them. After exploring the resources and existing programs on the left, contact your state Farm to School lead for additional information and assistance specific to Connecticut:
Jane Slupecki
860-713-2588
Jane.slupecki@ct.gov

Farm to school efforts in Connecticut began in 1994 when the CT Dept of Education started to work with the CT Dept of Agriculture to encourage the use of CT Grown fresh fruits and vegetables in the school lunch programs. The Connecticut Departments of Agriculture and Education lead the statewide farm to school effort. A grant awarded to a non-profit organization, the Hartford Food System, allowed the work to continue. Approximately 24 farmers and 14 school systems (districts) were involved in the School Meals From Connecticut Farms initiative in 2004. Thanks to more current legislation in 2005 and 2006, the CT Dept of Agriculture has statutory authority and staff to work on the Program internally. There are now 69 schools or school systems, with 45 farmers working directly with schools, and several large wholesalers that supply CT Grown produce to our school lunch programs. Visit the Farm-To-School website with listings, links and information about promotional materials at www.ctgrown.gov under Programs and Services.

Working in close collaboration under PA 06-136, Jane Slupecki of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Teri Dandeneau from the CT Department of Education Office of Nutrition are the facilitators of this program. The partnership has been instrumental in both connecting Connecticut farmers to local school districts, as well as promoting and encouraging participation in the program.