Senator Rahman Applauds Funding for Farm-to-School Program in Andover and Coventry

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, welcomed the state Department of Agriculture’s release of $75,000 to support the Coventry and Andover School Nutrition Services’ Farm to School 3Cs Integration program.

The grant will support the regional farm-to-school initiative, which includes five school cafeterias and provides students with opportunities to learn about their food systems through hands-on experiences with growing food and taking ownership over what they eat at home and in school.

“Local farms are a vital part of our communities so it is great to see this investment in a program that teaches young people about the value of locally grown food and healthy eating habits,” said Senator Rahman, whose district includes Andover as well as Bolton, Glastonbury, and Manchester. “This grant forges an essential link between education and local agriculture and reinforces for the next generation why support for our farming community matters.”

The Coventry and Andover program was one of 15 projects selected by the state Agriculture Department to receive grants under the CT Grown for CT Kids, which provided school programs a total of $750,000 in fiscal year 2025.

CT Grown for CT Kids focuses on increasing availability of locally grown foods in child nutrition programs and teaches children about the importance of nutrition and farm-to-school connections.

“These awards are more than just a financial commitment – they are an investment in the future of our children, our health, our food systems, and the agriculture industry here in Connecticut,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Awarded projects have ensured children have access to healthy, local CT Grown foods while gaining hands-on experience in helping grow food for their classmates and community. As we look to the future, these investments lay the groundwork for a healthier generation, a more resilient food supply, and a thriving agricultural community in Connecticut – all of which will benefit from sustained funding and continued support.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651