Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Food Solutions in Hartford
Since 1978, Hartford Food System has dedicated itself to addressing the root causes of food insecurity and building a sustainable, equitable food system for Hartford residents. Our work focuses on long-term solutions that improve access to nutritious food, advocate for responsible food policies, and strengthen community connections to food sources. Through collaborative partnerships with local farmers, policymakers, educators, and community members, we implement programs that directly tackle hunger while promoting economic and environmental resilience. Our initiatives include urban farming projects, mobile markets, youth leadership programs, and policy advocacy at local and regional levels.With over four decades of experience, we have developed a comprehensive approach that combines direct service delivery with systemic change efforts. Our team brings deep expertise in food justice, public health, and community organizing to create impactful, culturally responsive solutions. Recognized for our innovative practices and commitment to transparency, we ensure over 80% of every dollar directly supports our programs. We maintain accountability through rigorous evaluation and active engagement with the communities we serve, ensuring our work remains aligned with their evolving needs.
Services
Urban Farming
Mobile Market
Youth Leadership
Policy Advocacy
Farm Share Program
Food Access Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience addressing food insecurity through systemic solutions
- Our programs combine direct food access with policy advocacy for lasting change
- We maintain 80% program-to-overhead spending ratio for maximum impact
- Our team includes experts in food justice, urban agriculture, and public policy
- We operate Connecticut's longest-running mobile market program since 1979
Services
Hartford Harvest Farm Share
Our community-supported agriculture program connects local farmers with Hartford residents through weekly produce subscriptions. Available in 3, 9, or 18-week options, this initiative supports over ten regional farms while providing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Participants receive income assistance options and convenient Thursday afternoon pickup at our Wethersfield Avenue location.
Grow Hartford Urban Farm
This 21-year-old urban farming initiative transforms city spaces into productive gardens that supply fresh produce to local markets. Partnering with the Keney Park Sustainability Project, we cultivate hundreds of pounds of vegetables annually while demonstrating sustainable growing practices and creating community green spaces.
Grow Hartford Youth Program
Our youth development program empowers young leaders to address food justice issues through hands-on experience. Participants gain public speaking skills, leadership training, and community organizing experience while connecting with national movements like the Peoples Climate March and Black Lives Matter.
Hartford Mobile Market
This year-round mobile market brings fresh, culturally relevant produce to underserved neighborhoods. As Hartford's longest-operating mobile market since 1979, we source primarily from local farms and accept SNAP benefits to improve food access for residents facing economic challenges.
Food Policy Advocacy
We lead policy initiatives through the City of Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy, working with government agencies and community stakeholders to create systemic solutions. Our advocacy focuses on improving food access, supporting local agriculture, and developing equitable food distribution networks across the region.
People
Billie C. Scruse
Executive Director
MPA with decades of experience in food systems development, leading Hartford Food System's strategic initiatives since 2021. Specializes in community-based solutions to food insecurity and sustainable agricultural policy.
Questions
What is Hartford Food System's primary mission?
We work to create a sustainable, equitable food system in Hartford through urban farming, food access programs, youth development, and policy advocacy.
How can I participate in the Hartford Harvest Farm Share?
Visit our website to choose between 3, 9, or 18-week shares and schedule Thursday afternoon pickups at our Wethersfield Avenue location.
Do you accept SNAP benefits for purchases?
Yes, our Hartford Mobile Market accepts SNAP benefits year-round to help make fresh produce accessible to all residents.
How does the organization address food insecurity?
We combine direct food access programs with systemic policy changes, operating mobile markets, urban farms, and youth leadership initiatives to create lasting solutions.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area is Hartford, Connecticut, with programs operating citywide including the North End Farmers Market and mobile market routes.
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