Report on Food System Transformation and Nutrition Assistance in Connecticut

Introduction

This report addresses the critical issue of food system transformation in Connecticut, emphasizing the importance of nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Concerns Regarding Proposed Cuts to Nutrition Assistance Programs

Constituents from Greenwich, committed to food justice, express serious concerns about proposed budget cuts and administrative changes to nutrition assistance programs, with a focus on SNAP. These proposed reforms, including stronger work requirements and cost-sharing with states, threaten the effectiveness of these programs and undermine democratic principles.

Historical Context and Importance of Nutrition Assistance Programs

Established post-World War II, programs like SNAP and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serve multiple objectives:

1. Addressing hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2)
2. Stimulating economic development (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)
3. Preventing social unrest and promoting peace (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

These programs primarily support vulnerable populations such as children and seniors, acting as the largest food security safety nets in the United States.

Food Insecurity Crisis in Connecticut

Connecticut faces a worsening food insecurity crisis, with 14.3% of residents (over 516,000 people) experiencing hunger, a rise of more than 10% from the previous year. In 2024, SNAP provided essential support to nearly 400,000 residents, distributing $885 million in benefits. However, many recipients, including seniors, receive limited monthly assistance.

Economic and Social Impact of SNAP

• Every dollar invested in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, supporting farmers and small businesses (SDG 8).
• SNAP promotes physical and mental well-being among seniors and individuals with disabilities (SDG 3).
• SNAP serves as a gateway to other essential services, such as automatic qualification for free school meals, enhancing child nutrition and educational outcomes (SDG 4: Quality Education).

Challenges Facing the Charitable Food System

The charitable food system, including food banks and pantries, is overwhelmed by unprecedented food insecurity levels. Reduced federal food and farm assistance exacerbate these challenges, highlighting the need for innovative approaches that recognize access to food, land, and watersheds as fundamental human rights (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 15: Life on Land).

Call to Action for Policymakers and Community Leaders

Advocates urge U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal to support a visionary approach to food and farm assistance programs that empower communities through food, land, and watershed sovereignty. Connecticut’s diverse coalition of predominantly Black and Brown farmers, growers, food entrepreneurs, and policy advocates is leading efforts toward an equitable, resilient, and regionalized food system (SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Recommended Programs for Support

To achieve sustainable food system transformation, the following programs are recommended for support and integration:

• Federal Policy/Programs: Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA), Local Food For School Cooperative Agreement Program (LFSA), Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), Land Capital Market Access Program (LCMAP)
• State Policy/Programs: School Meals For All CT, Local Food For Local Schools Incentive Program, CT Grown For CT Kids Grant, Food Recovery Initiatives
• Community-Based Organizations: Liberated Land Cooperative, Sovereign Land Trust, Fairgate Community Farm, Green Village Initiative, Brass City Harvest, Northwest CT Food Hub, CT Farm To School Collaborative, New Connecticut Farmer Alliance

Synergy Between Policies and Community Initiatives

Effective elimination of food insecurity and related social, economic, and ecological issues requires a synergistic approach combining federal and state policies with community-based organizations. This integrated strategy aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Senators Murphy and Blumenthal are called upon to leverage their influence to support these programs and embed them within a broader vision for a democratic society. Food system transformation guided by these initiatives will contribute to thriving communities, authentic well-being, and stronger democracy, fulfilling multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Report prepared by Ali Ghiorse and Karen Saggese, co-organizers of the Greenwich Foodshed Alliance, a program of The Foodshed Network and fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses extensively on food insecurity, hunger, and nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Nutrition assistance programs contribute to the physical and mental well-being of vulnerable populations including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights the importance of equitable access to food and nutrition assistance, especially for marginalized communities and vulnerable groups.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Discussion on supporting local food systems, farmers, and sustainable food production through programs like Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article connects food security to democratic principles, social stability, and peace.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Food Insecurity Rate
   • The article cites the “2025 Map the Meal Gap” report indicating that 14.3% of Connecticut residents are food insecure, which is a key indicator of hunger and food access.
2. Number of SNAP Recipients
   • Nearly 400,000 Connecticut residents received SNAP benefits in 2024, representing one in nine state residents. Tracking the number of beneficiaries is an indicator of program reach and food security support.
3. SNAP Benefit Amounts
   • Monthly benefit amounts, such as seniors receiving as little as $60, indicate the adequacy of assistance provided.
4. Economic Impact of SNAP
   • Every dollar invested in SNAP generating up to $1.80 in economic activity serves as an economic multiplier indicator.
5. School Meal Enrollment via SNAP Certification
   • Data-matching for automatic enrollment in free school meals based on SNAP participation is an indicator of program integration and effectiveness in reaching children.
6. Participation in Local and Community Food Programs
   • Engagement with federal, state, and community-based food programs reflects progress toward sustainable and equitable food systems.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ctmirror.org