Here are some of the links and phone numbers you might have heard on the air on WPKN.
Some WPKN programs about food sources and resources:
Kevin Gallagher hosts Digging in the Dirt, a podcast and radio show with climate change experts and activists, promoting organic and regenerative farming techniques, showing the way to grow healthier food in a way that respects the planet’s health.
Richard Hill and Diane Lauricella host The Organic Farm Stand, presenting news & views for and from the organic food community; including farming and gardening advice, listener call-ins and interviews with organic and food systems experts and activists.
Connecticut Foodshare supports individuals and families from one end of the state to the other, by addressing root causes, creating long-term solutions, and distributing nutritious food through local partner programs in Connecticut, in an effort to alleviate hunger. Their long-term vision is to have a thriving community, free of hunger.
Connecticut Food Bank
“The mission of Connecticut Food Bank is to provide nutritious food to people in need.”
Phone: 203-469-5000
- About the CT Food Bank
- Where you can get help (food pantries, community kitchens and local out reach across the state)
- Food Pantry Locator
- United Way of Southern CT mobile food pantry (It’s like a book-mobile, with groceries!)
End Hunger Connecticut!
End Hunger Connecticut! is dedicated to ending hunger in the state by promoting access to good nutrition through federal nutrition assistance programs, speaking out to raise awareness of hunger, and advocating for positive change of local, state and national programs. One of their important programs is the free summer meal program for Connecticut kids.
SNAP4CT helps Connecticut residents receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits make affordable and healthy food and lifestyle choices. Their website offers nutrition and health information, accessible by computer or mobile device. You will also find them sharing recipes and food at farmers’ markets and other public resources. SNAP4CT is an initiative of Husky Nutrition at UConn Health, with funding from the USDA.
You’ll find healthy, economical recipes and food advice (Ask a Nutrionist!) on the web site, and they have a newsletter and a cookbook to share, as well.
Buy Local Food
Support your local CT food economy by going to CT farmers’ markets throughot the state.
Buy CT Grown has a great listing of markets and farms all around the state.
There are farmers’ markets everywhere!
Here are a few sources to find one in your area:
- CT Department of Agriculture
- The Long Island Farm Bureau
- CT Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association
City Seed, New Haven
Engaging and Connecting Communities through Local Food
- City Seed Online
- Phone: 203.773.3736
- Check the web site for operating dates.
Look for the The Mobile Market. - WIC, FMNP & SNAP
All of CitySeed’s farmers’ markets accept FMNP, Senior FMNP coupons, WIC CVV and SNAP (food stamps) benefits.
Even better, Double Value for SNAP! gives folks double value for SNAP coupons at all of its markets on any SNAP-eligible products and CitySeed will match up to $10 per day for additional fruits and vegetables.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut has partnered with the CT Dept of Agriculture to expand the list of farms, farmers’ markets and farm stands beyond the current CT NOFA membership – free of charge and online. It is a joint effort to promote the availability of all Connecticut farmers who can provide food and other farm products in this time of crisis.
The CT Department of Social Services: ConneCT
Information food assistance is available at ConneCT as well as through 12 regional offices throughout the state
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), is a nutrition program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food.
Long Island Resources
Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organization is Island Harvest
Long Island Cares
Founded by the late Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares brings together nutritional resources to benefit the people on Long Island.
- Phone: 631-582-3663 (631-582-FOOD)
- About LI Cares
- Mobile Outreach Resource Services (MORE)
- Long Island pantries and kitchens