Background
Established in 1978, the Hartford Food System (HFS) is a private, non-profit organization working to create an equitable and sustainable food system that addresses the underlying causes of hunger and poor nutrition facing lower-income and elderly Connecticut residents. HFS has developed dozens of projects, initiatives, and coalitions that tackle a wide range of food cost, access, and nutrition problems. In more recent years, the organization has extended its reach to develop food projects and to provide training and technical assistance throughout Connecticut as well as to communities across the country. This work includes active participation in a number of public policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal government levels that affect community-based food systems.
HFS relies on a collaborative approach, engaging the talents of farmers, government policy makers, local non-profit organizations, local communities, chefs, educators, and the commercial food sector. HFS directs its efforts at four major food system components: production, distribution, education, and public policy.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hartford Food System is to fight hunger and improve nutrition for disadvantaged members of our community through sustainable, non-emergency strategies. To this end, we will implement programs that improve access to nutritious and affordable food, help consumers make informed food choices, and advance responsible food policies at all levels of government.
Vision Statement
Few things are more fundamental to the well-being of Hartford residents than food. As a matter of principle, we believe that all people have the right to safe, nutritious and affordable food. We also regard those who grow and distribute food as having a special role in our society, and seek to deepen the connection between urban food consumers and the sources of food production.
We believe that long-term solutions to Hartford’s food problems can only be found by addressing the root causes of hunger and poor nutrition. These solutions will require working in partnership with people experiencing food insecurity – not always being able to acquire quality foods due to limited access or uncertain resources. We do this work in concert with public officials, farmers and producers, nonprofit allies, business leaders in the local food economy, and other people of good will. Together, we can build a more equitable food supply.
In carrying out the goals of this Strategic Plan, the Hartford Food System commits itself:
- To be deeply engaged in the food problems affecting ordinary Hartford residents and the solutions to those problems.
- To be known far and wide as one of the most creative and competent food security organizations in the country.
- To rise to the new challenges we face, never content to administer the programs we’ve got while Hartford’s overall food environment worsens, but willing to chart new directions to achieve our mission statement.