2010 CT Food System Alliance Welcome & Summary

1. CT FOOD SYSTEM ALLIANCE
SUMMIT
In partnership with
nourishing neighborhoods across the U.S.
USDA Risk Management Agency

2. CT FOOD SYSTEM ALLIANCE
SUMMIT
Sponsored by USDA Risk
Management Agency
Planning Committee:
Jiff Martin, AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST
Marydale DeBor, NEW MILFORD HOSPITAL
Rita Decker-Parry, BILLINGS FORGE COMMUNITY WORKS
TerrI Reid, URBAN OAKS FARM
Bill Duesing, CT NOFA
Nicole Berube and Erin Wirpsa-Eisenberg, CITYSEED
Art Costa, RE-NEW LONDON COUNCIL and NEW LONDON LOCAL FIRST

3. CT FOOD SYSTEM ALLIANCE
SUMMIT
Special Thanks to:
CT Department of Agriculture, Billings Forge Community Works
Facilitators:
Arthur Lerner, FRESH NEW LONDON
Jiff Martin, AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST
Annie Farrell, MILLSTONE FARM
John Turenne, SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Bill Duesing, CT NOFA
Nicole Berube, CITYSEED
Merrill Gay, URBAN OAKS FARM
Sponsored by USDA Risk
Management Agency

4. WHY ARE WE HERE?
GOAL
• To gather a diverse mix of experienced stakeholders dedicated
to positive change to Connecticut’s local food system for an
open discussion focused on key barriers and innovative
strategies, with an emphasis on areas of reform with broad
potential impact.
OBJECTIVES
A logical first step to bring experts and change agents together
to:
• Celebrate the exceptional work taking place in Connecticut
• Generate exciting ideas
• Make connections
• Engage in a realistic discussion about sustaining a Connecticut
Food System Alliance moving forward

5. WHO ARE WE?
Diverse Alliance of Interested Change Agents:
Agricultural Agencies
Non-profit Organizations
Farmers
Institutions – Schools and Hospitals
Social Service Agencies
Retailers
Businesses and Individuals Engaged in Food System
Change Activities

6. CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN
CONNECTICUT’S FOODSHED
Between 2002 and 2007, the number of farms increased by 17% to
4,916
Agri-tourism increase by 237% between 2002-2007
Direct marketing increase by 29% between 2002-2007
42 CSAs
125 farmers market, including 16 winter markets
Over $700,000 in WIC, Senior, and SNAP benefits redeemed at
farmers markets in 2009
88 schools or school systems participating in Farm-to-School
program

7. Approximately 54% of farms are operated by part-time farmers
152 remaining dairy farms
85% of farmland remains unprotected
11% of households are food insecure
Between 1985 and 2006 approximately 62 square miles of
"agricultural fields" were converted to other uses, equivalent to a
14% change since 1985
On average, we lost agricultural fields at a rate of 1,883 acres
per year between 1985-2006
STRENGTHENING THE LINKS IN
CONNECTICUT’S FOODSHED

8. Agriculture has a $3.5 billion impact on our state's economy, and
approximately a 20,000 job impact
Only 25% of children that eat a free or reduced price meal at school
get a meal in the summer
We have the lowest percentage of schools participating in school
breakfast in the nation
More than half of our adults are overweight or obese
In one year, our obesity-related health problems added $856M in
adult medical expenditures, including $665M in Medicaid and
Medicare costs
MAKING THE CASE:
DEEPEN OUR FOODSHED

9. SNAP redemption in CT increased from $283M in 2008 to
$413M in 2009 (45%)
NATIONAL SNAP FACTS:
For every $5 in new SNAP benefits, up to $9.20 is generated
in total economic activity
In 2009, there was a 58% increase in SNAP redemptions at
farmers markets
EXEMPLIFYING THE DEMAND: SNAP

10. Our capitol boasts one of the highest concentrations of
insurance headquarters in the nation:
• Food as disease prevention
We are uniquely poised geographically and economically:
• New England Region
•Tri-State Area
Let’s pool our resources, learn from each other, and learn
from models from within our region!
LEVERAGING OUR RESOURCES

11. Welcome Shira J. Gans
Shira J. Gans is a Policy Analyst for Manhattan Borough
President Scott M. Stringer where she is responsible for the
Borough President’s food policy and economic
development portfolios, including the Bank On Manhattan,
a public/private financial empowerment initiative.
Shira was recently selected by City Hall news to be profiled
in their 2010 “Rising Stars: 40 Under 40” issue.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER