Murphy, Blumenthal, Hayes Applaud Funding for Expanded City Resident Access to Farm Products

HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) today announced $320,000 in American Rescue Plan funding for the Brass City Regional Food Hub to open a second location, allowing the organization to significantly increase access to healthy food in Waterbury’s underserved communities.

The Brass City Regional Food Hub opened in 2020 and distributes locally grown produce and other fresh foods in an area of Waterbury that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. This funding will be used for the planning, design, and implementation of a secondary location in Waterbury.

“The Brass City Regional Food Hub has played a critical role in expanding food access and supporting local farmers through their continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Blumenthal. “With these critical federal funds, they will be able to significantly bolster their operations, feeding more Connecticut families who don’t currently have easy access to fresh, nutritious food, all while strengthening the local economy in Greater Waterbury.”

“This grant is a win-win that will help tackle food insecurity and bring a big boost to the local economy. Brass City Regional Food Hub is already doing amazing work bringing healthy, locally-grown produce into Waterbury while supporting Connecticut farmers and providing job training opportunities. This funding from the American Rescue Plan to open a second location will expand their reach and make a big difference for so many more families,” said Murphy.

“Investing in local food systems is critical in the fight against hunger. I am pleased to see funding from the American Rescue Plan at work bolstering critical food programs like the Brass City Food Hub. By connecting more families in Waterbury to fresh foods and supporting Connecticut farmers, we are able to reduce food insecurity and support the local economy. As Chairwoman on the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition Oversight and Department Operations, I am steadfast in my commitment to ensuring all communities have access to nutritious foods and ending hung,” said Hayes.

The grant was awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA)’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program which utilizes $3 billion in supplemental funding from the American Rescue Plan to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back from the coronavirus pandemic. 

###