New Haven Food Policy Council Accomplishments
Food Systems Director position: Secured a $115,000 commitment from the Kendall Foundation
toward funding of the FSD position over a two-year period, as well as funding for the development of
an implementation plan to set the groundwork for the position’s successful launch. Mayor Toni Harp
included $50,000 (plus benefits) in the 2015-16 city budget to fund the remainder of the position.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program: The Food Assistance Working Group was instrumental in
lobbying the CT congressional delegation to advocate for funding from the federal government to
support the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which has been an unfunded initiative for years.
We were successful in securing $2.8 million for the state to implement this program. It brings staple
foods to approximately 2,400 hungry seniors. Of course, the need to feed hungry seniors is much
greater. The delegation has committed to advocate for increased funding.
Summer Meals: In conjunction with End Hunger CT, coordinated and mobilized the Summer Blitz, a
city-wide canvassing event to expand the reach and participation of New Haven Public School’s
Summer Meals Program. As a result, enrollment in the program was up 23% over last year. This led to
the Board of Education receiving a $50,000 grant, written by partners of the Food Policy Council, from
National League of Cities and the Food Action Research Center to expand the program.
Food Advocate Training: Received funding from the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven for
a collaboration between NHFPC, End Hunger CT and CARE to offer a stipend training program,
empowering residents who have received food assistance to become advocates for better policies and
services. Twelve food advocates received training and have subsequently been involved in numerous
press events, food insecurity projects and other advocacy efforts at the state and local level.
Witnesses to Hunger: In early September organized in a reception and public event at New Haven City
Hall featuring photos with personal stories that demonstrate the need for programs and policies to
help move people out of poverty, a collaboration between End Hunger CT, the Drexel School of Public
Health and Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s office.
Comprehensive Plan: Submitted set of food policy recommendations for incorporation into the city’s
next Comprehensive Plan to codify the importance of fostering and promoting a strong local food
system by promoting public health; improving access to healthy and affordable food; supporting local
agricultural production, distribution and processing; and reducing environmental impacts related to
food production and distribution.
Cooking and Food Education: Developed and conducted Master Cooks Corps, a free community-based
cooking teacher-training program, in which over 40 cooks participated. Each Master Cook committed
to perform four training sessions at locations throughout the city during the next twelve months,
resulting in more than 1,000 community members learning new healthy cooking skills. Email address
to contact to request cooking classes/demos: Mastercooks@cityseed.org
Urban Agriculture: Submitted formal recommendations to the Mayor’s Office for expanding food
growing across New Haven, including the creation of a community farm. The City Farm & Garden
Working Group was designated by then-current Mayor John DeStefano as the City’s hub for urban
agriculture projects in New Haven. Concurrently Mayor DeStefano stated his support for the group's
effort to establish an Urban Agriculture Resource Center, a resource for people who want to produce
food in the city, whether gardens or for a food-growing business. The group then secured $10,000 in
funding from the New Alliance Foundation to researched residents’ food-growing needs through a
series of surveys conducted throughout the community. Results of the surveys are being used to
complete a plan and budget for the development and operation of the UARC.
Youth Engagement: VISTAs developed and launched a Youth Internship Program, an opportunity for
five high-school aged youth who are passionate about food issues to deepen their knowledge and work
with the NHFPC to advocate for change.