JUNE 2026 | Issue I

Dear friend,

 

This summer solstice marks a new beginning for Foodshed Thymes, The Foodshed Network's (TFN’s) bi-monthly newsletter. In an effort to provide the most value for our subscribers, we paused the Thymes for several months to re-evaluate its direction. June 2026, Issue I is the first with our newly defined purpose: to connect systemic problems in our food system to TFN’s programmatic work, demonstrate our impact, and build community through shared concern and a desire for action. This issue spotlights food insecurity, an issue that's top of mind for so many of us.

 

We hope this content will serve you in some way, whether it’s sparking inspiration to advocate, fostering a deeper understanding of systemic solutions, or offering simple, satisfying ideas for changes you can make in your daily life.

 

Thank you for reading and for making our work possible. If you have any feedback or ideas for us, please reach out to me directly here.

 

In community,

 

Ali Ghiorse

Executive Director

CONNECTION

Food insecurity is rising here in Connecticut and nationwide, driven largely by the simultaneous high cost of living, including skyrocketing food prices, and unprecedented cuts to SNAP, the nation’s largest and most effective first line of defense against hunger.

 

In response to the rise in food insecurity in our communities, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) established a Food Security Fund, which launched at Foundation House in March. The Fund is exceptional in its purpose, utilizing a rapid-response approach. It invites applications from community-based initiatives working to address food insecurity in many different ways, such as community gardens, urban farms, alliance stewardship and network weaving, and advocating for universal no-cost school meals. FCCF uplifts changing systems through an all-inclusive, integrated approach. TFN is honored to be a recipient of the Fund, having been awarded a $10,000 grant to advance our food security programs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to FCCF for their generous support. 

 

To learn more about the root causes of food insecurity and how it intersects with Black land loss – including action steps from Connecticut food justice advocate Vetiveah Immanuel of Radiance Gardens – check out TFN’s blog post, Connecting the Dots: here.

 

Join TFN's newest program 

FOODSHED CSA GREENWICH

 

 

Do you want to make a difference while you shop for food? Join Foodshed CSA Greenwich!  Purchasing food from Connecticut farmers is one of the most impactful actions you can take to help transform the industrial food system into one that is equitable, regional, and resilient.

 

Foodshed CSA Greenwich subscriptions support:

In an effort to ensure equitable access to local farm-fresh vegetables for low-income families, Foodshed CSA offers the option to donate subscription boxes.

 

TFN is grateful to Northwest CT Food Hub and North Greenwich Congregational Church for their partnership and to our thirty inaugural subscribers for their support and faith in the program!

 

PROGRAM UPDATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFA members represent a diverse sector of our community, including fellow nonprofits, elected officials, civic groups, educators, business owners, and passionate community members, all united around a common goal of advancing an equitably accessible and racially just food system. The GFA Community of Practice is open to anyone who is interested in participating. Subscribe to our email list here and receive notifications.

 

In collaboration with local partners, GFA helps drive systems change by introducing and implementing federal and state food security programs within the Greenwich community. We provide critical technical assistance, such as communications, narrative setting, bridge-building, and community engagement that sets programs on a solid footing, enabling them to grow and thrive.

 

 

Access & Equity: The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and provides eligible older adults with funds (via a benefit card) to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey at authorized Connecticut farmers' markets and roadside stands.

 

In the summer of 2025, GFA, in collaboration with Geoffrey Anderson at Jewish Family Services (JFS), launched the SFMNP in Greenwich. Under Geoffrey's facilitation as an ‘issuance partner’ and with technical assistance from GFA, the program continues to grow and now supports 36 participants. Learn more about GFA's Access & Equity work here.

 

Farm to School: In June, the New Lebanon Elementary School (NLES) Farm to School initiative celebrated its fourth and final Harvest of the Season (HOS) for the 2025–2026 school year. Through the lens of a single fruit or vegetable, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that utilize tasting, harvesting, pickling, art, farmer visits, and cooking demonstrations while making connections across their classroom, the cafeteria, and the community. In June, NLES celebrated Strawberry Day.

 

We thank the NLES Farm to School team for a fabulous year of collaboration: Principal Dr. Dan Russo; GPS Food Services Director Martha Ramkellawan; and Beth Pierson, co-director of NLES's Garden Club. Dr. Russo fully embraced this initiative and did an exceptional job of integrating the "Three Cs" (Cafeteria, Classroom, & Community) into the school culture, setting a strong foundation for long-term success. Learn more about GFA’s Farm to School work here.

 

Food & Agricultural Policy: The 2026 Connecticut legislative session officially adjourned on May 6th, with universal no-cost school breakfast and no-cost lunch for students eligible for reduced-price meals successfully included in the budget negotiations. After SNAP, the National School Lunch Program is the largest food security safety net in the country. Equitable access to school meals is critical for the well-being of every student, and with the price of groceries and everyday essentials continuing to rise, we need these programs now more than ever. Thank you to everyone who raised their voices with us in support of this critical funding.

 

Ali participates in End Hunger CT's School Meals for All Steering Committee and, together with her co-lead Karen Saggese, supports GFA's advocacy through its communications. Learn more about GFA's Food & Agricultural Policy work here.

 

Community of Practice: GFA hosted Alison Cohen, co-founder of the National Right to Food Community of Practice, in April, and Christian DuBorg, Connecticut’s Food & Nutrition Policy Analyst, in May.

IN COMMUNITY 

Center photo credit: O & Co. Media

The Foodshed Network was thrilled to participate in two community events at Foundation House this winter:

 

February marked the launch of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation's Food Security Fund. March convened the Northeast Food System Forum, in collaboration with Glynwood Center for Regional Food & Farming. A heartfelt thank you to the Foundation House team for supporting TFN and for all they do to build and strengthen community connections. Learn more about Foundation House and the work they do here.

 

Foodshed also joined Fairfield County Community Foundation's Allies & Advocates at the State Capitol to learn more about the legislative history of the Capitol Building. The Allies is a community of passionate individuals who are dedicated to creating real, lasting change right here at home. If you’re someone who believes in fairness, justice, and a stronger community for everyone, The Allies is the place for you. Learn more here.

 

DONATE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

 

 

THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to TFN's Unlock The Match Fundraising Campaign. Your generosity makes our work possible.

 

We are close to our goal - with roughly $18,000 remaining. If you haven't had a chance to give yet, we invite you to help us grow by making a donation here.

 

FOLLOW &

SHARE

 

The Foodshed Network (TFN) is a fiscally sponsored project of Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE), which provides back-office administrative support that allows TFN to focus on its programming and achieve its mission.