The Farmer's Table Story
The Farmer’s Table, born seven years ago, was created by a group of friends, along with strong supporters and volunteers to celebrate our local farmers with an annual dinner. The dinner has been very successful in strengthening the connection between those who grow our food and those who benefit from it — our community — which is essential to our farmers' survival and success.
Since our first dinner at a Warren farm in 2011, farmers in New Milford, Litchfield, Roxbury, Washington, and Morris have hosted the annual event. As these dinners have moved from farm to farm, they have expanded the conversation and awareness among farmers and local residents of the farmers’ concerns, journey, and mission.
Since our first dinner at a Warren farm in 2011, farmers in New Milford, Litchfield, Roxbury, Washington, and Morris have hosted the annual event. As these dinners have moved from farm to farm, they have expanded the conversation and awareness among farmers and local residents of the farmers’ concerns, journey, and mission.
A Sneak Peek of the upcoming Farmer's Table Dinner - 2018
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 farmers, and the produce from those shares has benefited local organizations.
- 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. The creation of the Northwest Connecticut Regional Food Hub.
- Grants. Grants for farmers to attend educational conferences.
Past Events
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.