HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - After Connecticut's dairy and aquaculture industries suffered serious market disruptions during the pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont is directing nearly $10 million in pandemic relief funding to support the state's farmers.
Using federal Coronavirus Relief Funding and American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the state is upping its total investment in programs that support farmers and food access to $10.3 million.
The additional funds will go toward Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, extending the option to use those benefits at farmers markets, and toward the purchase of CT Grown products for drive-through distribution sites.
The funding will support the $1.45 million that the state previously allocated to food programs like CT Grown for CT Kids; the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program; and the Senior's Farmers Market Nutrition program.
According to state officials, the latest funding will keep Foodshare distribution open through the end of October, at least.
"These funds will strengthen those sectors most severely impacted while also investing in food security programs buying Connecticut Grown food products to support local families," State Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt said.
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the dairy and aquaculture markets, Connecticut Farm Bureau Association Executive Director Joan Nichols said.
"These strategic investments in agriculture are in great need for farmers to continue operating and providing safe, affordable and healthy foods to residents," Nichols said.
