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Video Credit: Fred Matthis
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The Farmer's Table Story
The Farmer's Table was launched in 2011 at a Warren Farm by a group of friends, all local food advocates. They wanted more people to know how much great local food was being produced throughout Litchfield County and how easy it was to find an enjoy. The group came up with the idea of a harvest dinner that would bring together farmers and residents in dialogue. The dinner was such a success that it became an annual event, doubling in size and moving to a different Litchfield County farm each year.
In 2015, the Farmer's Table was incorporated into Litchfield-based Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture, local food and active, healthy lifestyles in the communities of Northwest Connecticut. Our mission expanded beyond a harvest dinner dialogue with farmers to partnering directly with them to provide those ongoing learning programs and business initiatives that they see as important to their success. It is this larger mission that differentiates the Farmer's Table from other area farm-to-table dinners. In addition, we support both farmers and the broader community by purchasing CSAs from farmers that are donated to programs like Meals on Wheels and FISH.
Our dinner is organized by a dedicated committee of volunteers. The produce and products used in preparation of this community dinner are purchased at market price from Litchfield County farms. Talented local chefs volunteer their time and labor to create this memorable and delicious meal. This year, our 12th, we are thrilled to be hosted by Laurel Ridge Farm in Litchfield, CT.
In 2015, the Farmer's Table was incorporated into Litchfield-based Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture, local food and active, healthy lifestyles in the communities of Northwest Connecticut. Our mission expanded beyond a harvest dinner dialogue with farmers to partnering directly with them to provide those ongoing learning programs and business initiatives that they see as important to their success. It is this larger mission that differentiates the Farmer's Table from other area farm-to-table dinners. In addition, we support both farmers and the broader community by purchasing CSAs from farmers that are donated to programs like Meals on Wheels and FISH.
Our dinner is organized by a dedicated committee of volunteers. The produce and products used in preparation of this community dinner are purchased at market price from Litchfield County farms. Talented local chefs volunteer their time and labor to create this memorable and delicious meal. This year, our 12th, we are thrilled to be hosted by Laurel Ridge Farm in Litchfield, CT.
Our Mission
Increase awareness and availability among our communities of the rich diversity of healthy , locally grown food from Litchfield County farms and to fund, develop and deliver those programs and business initiatives that our farmers tell us best support their work.
How the funds have been used
- The annual purchase of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) from our farmers paired with organizations that help feed the underserved. To date, we have purchased CSAs from 25 local farms, and the produce from those shares has resulted in thousands of meals using locally grown food.
- The bi-annual Farmer’s Forum. A free all-day professional agro-education program that more than 100 Litchfield County farmers attend.
- Farmer's Input Dinner. The bi-annual dinner/workshop during which farmers give us input on what they need to help them be more sustainable. To date 50 farmers have participated.
- Stipends for farm internships for local students.
- A Food Hub. Support for the creation of the Northwest Connecticut Regional Food Hub.
- Grants. Grants for farmers to attend educational conferences.
- Farm-to-School Program. Purchased food from local farms for schools.