Connecticuts Department of Agriculture told the Appropriations Committee that farmers and markets have been strong beneficiaries this season of state and federal nutrition programs, even as some federal allocations were canceled.

Commissioner Brian Perlbert said the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) -- which provides vouchers or electronic cards for WIC participants and eligible seniors to buy Connecticut-grown produce -- saw redemption of just under $870,000 this season, aided by a switch to an electronic card and app system that improved farmer and participant access.

Perlbert also summarized other market programs: the FreshMatch/SNAP doubling program (administered by End Hunger Connecticut) operates at about 30 markets and effectively doubles SNAP purchasing power for fruits and vegetables at participating markets. The state-funded TrueMatch program (a complementary incentive) ran through November and had been wound down alongside the federal grant.

On the Local Food Purchase Program (a USDA-funded initiative to buy local product for distribution), the department said grantees spent about $5.6 million of a $6.4 million allocation across 467 distribution sites and roughly 150 farmers; five organizations retained some unspent balances while USDAs planned additional allocation for 2025 did not arrive. The department noted the remaining balances can be used into the next season by agreement with those grantee organizations.

The department agreed to provide lists of certified farmers markets, certified farm stands and participating farms. Representatives asked for additional detail on participating markets and whether certain tax or audit reporting changes could affect small food pantries receiving donated product.

Ending note: Commissioner Perlbert urged continued attention to local procurement and market programs, and said the agency would follow up with requested participant lists and vendor names.