State Officials Celebrate 20th Anniversary of CT Grown for CT Kids Week October, 5-9
(HARTFORD, CT) – State officials and local partners convened at Louis Toffolon Elementary School in Plainville today to kick off CT Grown for CT Kids (CTG4CTK) Week happening now through Friday, October 9. This year’s theme, “Breakfast and Beyond – CT Fresh All Day Long!” celebrates Connecticut’s investment in universal free school breakfast at participating schools this year, connecting expanded meal access with fresh, locally grown foods that nourish students, support Connecticut farmers, and help stretch family budgets.
Held annually during the first full week of October, which is also National Farm to School Month, CTG4CTK Week highlights how state investments are driving change and fueling the futures of students. Governor Ned Lamont signed a proclamation declaring CT Grown for CT Kids Week in recognition of the statewide efforts.
“I am so proud of the work happening across our state agencies as we celebrate Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "It is so critical to recognize the important link between Connecticut Agriculture and Education. Connecticut has over 5,000 farms across the state, and connecting them with Connecticut students will allow our state’s educators to use hands-on techniques to teach about nutrition and where their food comes from. As our school districts roll out universal free breakfast this year, it has never been a better time to highlight this outstanding partnership.”
Following the speaking program, attendees received a tour of what farm to school looks like in Plainville, including classroom lessons, a visit to the school gardens, and participated in a school meal experience featuring local foods and a smoothie taste test.
“We are proud to highlight our Food Services team and celebrate their dedication to supporting the whole child. Through partnerships with local community farms, they provide exceptional opportunities for students to build community connections, enjoy nutritious meals, and develop lifelong, healthy habits,” said Superintendent of Plainville Community Schools, Brian Reas.
“As a Registered Dietitian, there’s nothing that excites me more than offering students fresh, locally sourced foods each day,” said Ashley Carl, Director of Food and Nutrition Services Director for Plainville Community Schools. “It’s incredibly special to see students learning where their food comes from, trying new foods, and discovering how delicious fresh, local food can be.”
Some of these activities were kick started through state grants, including the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program. In 2023, Plainville’s three elementary schools received a CTG4CTK microgrant to fund 24 local-food taste tests and nutrition education activities, reaching nearly 1,000 students. A subsequent grant of nearly $50,000 in 2026 supported garden beds and outdoor Farm to School learning opportunities, giving more than 800 elementary and middle school students hands-on experience growing food while engaging families and the broader community.
During the event, Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) Agricultural Development and Resource Conservation Bureau Director Jaime Smith announced that 21 microgrant projects totaling nearly $100,000 had been awarded this fiscal year. Since 2021, Connecticut has made historic investments in farm to school, including $5.5 million in CT Grown for CT Kids Grant programming.
“CT Grown for CT Kids is not just a priority of the Lamont-Bysiewicz administration, but a reality, thanks to the state dollars invested,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “This program provides the seed money for schools to start making purchases from local farmers, bring the classroom outside with school gardens, improve the quality of school meals, and expose students to a more diverse array of foods for a nutritionally balanced diet.”
Through CT Fresh Ed, the Connecticut State Department of Education is making Farm to School a core part of how schools purchase, prepare, and serve meals. Investments in the CT Fresh Ed: Buy Local Program and Chefs to Schools program strengthen local purchasing, build kitchen skills, and expand scratch cooking—bringing fresh foods to students’ plates while supporting Connecticut farms and local jobs.
“Access to fresh, nutritious food is an important part of supporting the whole child and helping students stay fueled, focused, and engaged in learning,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “CT Grown for CT Kids Week helps raise awareness of how the cafeteria, classroom, and community can come together to empower every learner’s journey, while encouraging healthy habits and a greater appreciation for Connecticut-grown foods produced right in our communities.”
Farm to school is a shared commitment involving food service directors, farmers, elected officials, educators, and students to bring programming into classrooms and the home. Organizers also revealed a brand-new logo for CT Grown for CT Kids Week and created a promotional kit for participating locations This year more than 80 activations will take place during CT Grown for CT Kids Week throughout the state, including farm visits, taste tests, school garden tours, and more. A complete list of activities can be found here.
“CT Grown for CT Kids Week showcases the strong local and statewide partnerships that drive Connecticut’s farm to school movement. UConn Extension proud to collaborate in an effort that strengthens local agriculture, supports schools, and benefits children and communities across the state. Recent state investments are expanding access to Connecticut-grown foods in school meals, creating new opportunities for local farms, and helping students thrive as healthy, engaged learners,” said Dawn Crayco, Visiting Associate Extension Educator in Food Systems.
“As a statewide network of farm to school practitioners, the CT Farm to School Collaborative is thrilled to see so many activities occurring during the 20th anniversary for CT Grown for CT Kids Week. This year's theme of “Breakfast and Beyond ─ CT Fresh All Day Long!” pairs perfectly with the state's support of free school breakfasts this year. This week-long celebration highlights all of the great things happening all year through other state support initiatives such as CT Grown for CT Kids grants, and the CT Fresh Ed Buy Local Program. It is great to see so many more schools serving local food to students, not only are they serving kids high quality, nutritious food, but they are also supporting local agriculture as well!” said Maraiah Popeleski-Tilley, CT Farm to School Collaborative Co-Chair.
Additional information about CT Grown for CT Kids Week and how schools and farmers can get involved is available on the CTG4CTK Week webpage. CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program information and information to apply for grants open until November 9 is available on the CT DoAg website.
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