Larson Announces $250,000 to Combat Food Insecurity in Hartford

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) visited the Farmers Market at Billings Forge in Hartford to announce $250,000 in new federal funding to combat food insecurity. Rep. Larson secured this funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding package, which was signed into law this March by President Biden. With these funds, Connecticut Foodshare and Forge City Works are partnering to launch the Neighborhood Grocery program.

“Connecticut Foodshare is a vital resource for families across the state facing food insecurity,” said Larson. “The Neighborhood Grocery will bring fresh foods to Frog Hollow, a neighborhood where these items are less available to residents, whether it be due to their ability to pay or access to reliable transportation. I was thrilled to support this partnership in Congress and look forward to the Neighborhood Grocery directly serving Frog Hollow residents.” 

“Thanks to the partnership between Forge City Works and CT Foodshare, and thanks to the tremendous support from Congressman Larson and our federal delegation, the Frog Hollow neighborhood will now have a market selling fresh-made food and healthy fruits and vegetables at affordable prices right at Billings Forge,” said Mayor Luke Bronin. “This is an innovative, creative way to reduce food insecurity and give families better options close to home, and I’m grateful to all of the partners who have made this new market possible. It will make a difference to families here in the Frog Hollow neighborhood and beyond.” 

“We are so grateful for the partnership we have with Congressman Larson and Forge City Works to bring this project to fruition. This community market will provide a much-needed resource in this community - and benefit not only the people we serve but all of our neighbors in Hartford,” said Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. 

“Our hope is not just to address the food access his here in this neighborhood, but to create a model that can be scaled and replicated in additional neighborhoods as well. We are thankful to be partnering with Connecticut Foodshare on this exciting project and grateful for Congressman Larson’s support,” said Ben Dubow, Executive Director of Forge City Works. 

The Neighborhood Grocery Program aims to increase access to wholesome foods for people facing food insecurity, whether due to poverty or inaccessibility. The Grocery will be a “scaled-price market,” open to all shoppers regardless of their ability to pay.