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Food banks and farmers ask legislature for $10 million to expand Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program
Summary
Connecticut FoodShare and partner organizations told the Human Services Committee that the state92s longstanding Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program (CTNAP) is underfunded at roughly $900,000 and urged passage of HB 7,021 to raise the appropriation toward $10 million annually and require at least 15% be spent on produce purchased from C
Connecticut FoodShare, joined by a wide coalition of food‑pantry operators, farmers and local nonprofits, urged the Human Services Committee to increase state funding for the Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program (CTNAP) and to dedicate a portion of the funds to purchasing locally grown produce.
Jason Jacobowski, president and CEO of Connecticut FoodShare, told the committee CTNAP currently receives roughly $900,000 a year from the state despite statewide food‑bank distributions of tens of millions of meals; he and other witnesses urged a $10,000,000 appropriation. The bill in the committee would enlarge CTNAP appropriations and require at least 15% of the state allocation be used to purchase produce and other products directly from Connecticut farmers.
Witnesses argued the additional funds would expand food bank supply now strained by post‑pandemic demand; FoodShare said distribution levels are back to the high volumes seen during the pandemic. The group also highlighted the benefits of buying local food: it provides fresh produce to pantries while supporting Connecticut farmers and the state agricultural economy. The FoodShare testimony noted prior federal programs (e.g., an LFPA purchase program) helped connect local farms to food banks but federal funding for that effort has been uncertain.
Representatives from local United Ways, market operators and volunteer pantry directors said the funding would help reach seniors, homebound residents and families facing acute food insecurity. Lawmakers asked about whether federal SNAP cuts could increase demand (witnesses said yes), and asked about the mechanics of guaranteeing local purchases; FoodShare emphasized state funding with a set local‑purchase percent would shore up a dependable market for Connecticut growers.
Why it matters: Food banks say they are seeing demand at near‑pandemic levels while state CTNAP funding has been very small compared with other nearby states. The proposal would both increase food bank purchasing power and create a stable market for local farmers who have supplied donated produce but have limited guaranteed public customers.
