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Video Credit: Fred Matthis
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The Farmer's Table Story
The Farmer’s Table was launched at a Warren farm in 2010. A group of friends, strong advocates for locally grown food, decided that the best way to expand awareness of Litchfield County's farms and the rich variety of produce and product they offer, was to host a harvest dinner that would bring together farmers and residents in dialogue.
That first dinner was such a success that it has become an annual event, moving to a different Litchfield County farm each year.
That first dinner was such a success that it has become an annual event, moving to a different Litchfield County farm each year.
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The 2020 Farmer's Table 10th anniversary dinner has been canceled/postponed until 2021. Read more here.
Click here to see photos from 2019's annual dinner at Arethusa Farm
Our Mission
The Farmer’s Table provides an opportunity for people in our diverse community to gather together with our farmers to enjoy a meal prepared by local chefs using local ingredients. This dinner allows advocates of healthy, locally-grown produce and product to get to know the very people who make that meal possible.
What started as an informal two-way conversation over delicious seasonal food has evolved into a purposeful dialogue among farmers and their supporters. Recognizing the potential impact of this unique dialogue, Sustainable Healthy Communities has invited the Farmer’s Table to become an integral initiative in SHC’s support of area farmers.
Beginning in 2015, our goals include not only that opportunity for conversation, but also the chance to create additional programming in support of the farming community in Litchfield County.
Through our dialogue, local farmers have highlighted issues they feel are essential for their growth and survival. With our team, and funds raised by the annual dinner, we are focusing on the issues of ongoing agro-education and helping to create broader access to farmers’ produce and products by a wider group of consumers.
What started as an informal two-way conversation over delicious seasonal food has evolved into a purposeful dialogue among farmers and their supporters. Recognizing the potential impact of this unique dialogue, Sustainable Healthy Communities has invited the Farmer’s Table to become an integral initiative in SHC’s support of area farmers.
Beginning in 2015, our goals include not only that opportunity for conversation, but also the chance to create additional programming in support of the farming community in Litchfield County.
Through our dialogue, local farmers have highlighted issues they feel are essential for their growth and survival. With our team, and funds raised by the annual dinner, we are focusing on the issues of ongoing agro-education and helping to create broader access to farmers’ produce and products by a wider group of consumers.
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.
Past Events
2019 Farmer's Table Dinner, Arethusa Farm in Litchfield
2018 Farmer's Table Dinner, Sunny Meadow Farm in Bridgewater
2017 Farmer's Table Dinner, Hopkins Vineyard in Warren
2016 Farmer's Table Dinner, Toplands Farm in Roxbury
2015 Farmer's Table Dinner, South Farms in Morris
2014 Farmer's Table Dinner, Back 40 Farm in Washington
2013 Farmer's Table Dinner, Arbutus Farm in Litchfield
Read about our Farmer's Forums hosted by the Farmer's Table - a day-long forum for farmers held at the Agricultural Science and Technology Department of Wamogo Regional High School.