$30K Agriculture Grant to Bring 'Exciting' Changes to Downtown Farmers Market

A $30,000 agriculture grant will allow the city's downtown summer farmers market to encourage and educate residents how to grow their own produce. 

The North End Action Team received an Agriculture Viability Grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, a move lauded by state Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) and state Rep. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), which will be used to support NEAT’s North End farmers market and nutrition programs. 

NEAT is a community-based organization whose mission is to empower residents and stakeholders to participate in and advocate for the interests of the North End neighborhood within Middletown. It provides an organizational structure from which to identify neighborhood concerns, and initiate grassroots advocacy to effect solutions to neighborhood issues.

"We've got big and exciting things on the horizon," said Izzi Greenberg, Executive Director of NEAT and Market Master for the North End Farmers’ Market, who says the grant will allow expansion of market programming, outreach and impact, especially for those who receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

The market, expected to open in early June, will this year feature plant seedlings earlier in the season so people can grow their own produce, Greenberg says.
"There are no stores that offer seedlings that also accept SNAP," she explains, calling it a "weird gap." 

"We're hoping to have an educational component to teach people how you actually grow that food." 

“NEAT plays a major role in making the North End a participatory, citizen-driven community,” Doyle says. 

“This grant is a real win for Middletown. Everybody should have access to healthy, affordable food,” Rep. Lesser adds. “NEAT plays a critical role in Middletown and has helped make the North End a healthy, livable neighborhood.” 

Through its Community Food Initiative, NEAT is building a sustainable local food system in Middletown’s North End, a “food desert” where residents have limited financial and physical access to fresh foods. It is increasing access to local agricultural products, educating residents about farming and nutrition, creating awareness, and improving the quality and quantity of fresh produce in Middletown’s North End. 

"The market is helping CT farmers reach new markets, helping to connect consumers of all income levels to fresh, local produce and is encouraging economic development in Middletown's downtown North End neighborhood," Greenberg said. "And this year, thanks to their support, the impact will be that much greater.” 

The North End Farmers’ Market began in 2009 with three vendors and has grown into a bustling market in downtown Middletown with produce vendors, local bakers and crafters and a “restaurant of the week” serving lunch.

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