Leading with Policy: How the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative is Driving Statewide Progress

Across Connecticut, a growing movement is reshaping how students learn about and experience food—one that connects cafeterias and classrooms to farms, and policy to the plate. At the forefront of this transformation is the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative, a dynamic network of educators, farmers, advocates, and organizers working together to bring healthy, local food into schools—and ensure that every student, farmer, and school nutrition champion has a voice.

Through the strength of its statewide network and support from the Foundation, the Collaborative has made significant strides this year. With strong Steering Committee leadership, a critical new part-time coordinator, and the launch of a strategic planning process, the Collaborative is building the infrastructure it needs to lead Connecticut into the next phase of farm to school. And perhaps nowhere was that leadership more evident than in the 2025 state legislative session.

The Collaborative played a pivotal role in organizing and advocating for a suite of policy wins that will reshape how schools procure and promote local food. The state’s Connecticut Local Food for Schools Incentive Program received a significant funding increase—$1.5 million in FY 2025–26 and $3.4 million in FY 2026–27—paired with important technical changes. The program’s administration will shift from the CT Department of Agriculture to the CT State Department of Education, aligning oversight more closely with the institutions it serves. For the first time, the Program will provide access to funding for early childhood education providers. Additionally, least 20% of program funds can now be used to support technical assistance, outreach, training, and education, ensuring that districts and schools receive the hands-on support they need to succeed.

These advancements reflect what the Collaborative has long known: farm to school doesn’t thrive on food alone—it thrives on people, training, and partnerships. The state investment recognizes the importance of the entire ecosystem, from farmers and food service professionals to educators and youth leaders.

The Collaborative also helped protect and extend 1 million dollars annually in state funding for the CT Grown for CT Kids Grants Program, which has seen overwhelming demand. However, not all goals were met. Despite strong support and organizing, no funding was included this year to expand access to universal school meals, a continued priority for the Collaborative and its partners.

Still, the momentum is undeniable. In just one year, the Collaborative’s network grew by nearly 100 new members, now connecting over 410 farm to school champions across the state. Monthly virtual gatherings and in-person events like CT Farm to School Advocacy Day, CT Ag Day, Veggiestock, and an end of year celebratory reception at the CT Farm to School Institute provided an opportunity for connection and a shared sense of purpose. Through a new communications toolkit, youth-driven content, and a growing media presence, the Collaborative is amplifying the stories and strategies that make change possible.

As Connecticut’s school food landscape evolves, the Collaborative is evolving with it—not just responding to policy but shaping it. With its roots deep in community and its eyes set firmly on systems change, the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative is ensuring that farm to school in Connecticut is not a moment, but a movement.

Photos by Kimberly Nguyen

Kim provided communications support thanks to state funds from the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative.

CT Farm to School Advocacy Day (top photo): On February 26th, 2025 the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative organized with their network to show up for public hearings in both the Appropriations and Education Committees.

TagsK12, Leadership, Networks