Haven's Harvest requests city partnership for food recovery infrastructure and support

During a recent meeting of the New Haven Board of Alders Finance Committee, significant discussions centered around food recovery initiatives and community support. The meeting featured testimony from Laurie Martin, co-founder and executive director of Haven's Harvest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity in the city.

Martin highlighted the impactful work of Haven's Harvest, which has successfully redistributed over 1.2 million pounds of food in the past five years. The organization connects surplus food with those in need, emphasizing that their mission is not merely about charity but about fostering community resilience and dignity. Martin articulated the importance of viewing food recovery as a form of justice, particularly in a city where a substantial portion of the population faces economic challenges.

To enhance their operations, Martin made three key requests from the city: the hiring of a full-time warehouse manager through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, $150,000 in general operating support, and assistance in securing a building for a food recovery hub within the next two years. These requests aim to strengthen the infrastructure necessary for effective food recovery and distribution.

The committee's engagement with Martin's testimony underscores a growing recognition of the need for sustainable food systems and community support mechanisms. As New Haven grapples with food insecurity, initiatives like Haven's Harvest play a crucial role in addressing these challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.

The meeting concluded without immediate questions for Martin, but her testimony has set the stage for further discussions on how the city can support food recovery efforts. As New Haven moves forward, the potential for becoming a leader in food waste reduction and community resilience remains a focal point for local governance and community organizations alike.