Grow Hartford

Grow Hartford, a project of the Hartford Food System, promotes a sustainable and equitable food system in Hartford by cultivating youth leadership and civic participation through agriculture. Grow Hartford operates three sites in Hartford's inner city that serve as outdoor classrooms for hundreds of Hartford young people and families.

About the Program

• Increasing awareness of food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and environmental issues among low-income Hartford youth.
• Empowering young people to participate in community action through problem solving, work skills training, and leadership opportunities.
• Encouraging healthy physical activities and increasing awareness of healthy food choices.
• Foster community action related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the environment.
• Providing low-income Hartford residents with convenient access to local, sustainably produced fruits and vegetables.
• Demonstrating viability of sustainable urban agriculture.

Project Activities

Grow Hartford operates three sites in Hartford's Frog Hollow and Behind the Rocks neighborhoods. As of mid-October 2009, Grow Hartford has produced 6,845 pounds of organically grown fruits and vegetables. This amount represents our largest yield ever, well beyond our 2007 harvest total of 3,694 pounds and 2008 total of 5,696 pounds. A few weeks still remain in the growing season, with late crops like brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage doing particularly well this year.

Youth Training

Grow Hartford's summer program for at-risk youth focuses on sustainable agriculture education, leadership and work skills, and community action. Youth also prepare a community lunch for over 100 local residents.

Hundreds of young people and families visit the Grow Hartford farm each season to volunteer or participate in lessons about sustainable agriculture and leadership.

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Last updated on 10/31/09