August 2026 Issue II

CONNECTING THE DOTS

The recent Cyclospora outbreak, the largest in American history, is bringing new awareness to how most pre-washed and prepped lettuce is grown, processed, and transported. We are learning that the conditions behind this outbreak range from the insidiousness of the parasite itself to gaps in regulatory oversight. (The Daily did a great job breaking down the factors surrounding this outbreak; learn more here.)

While Cyclospora can affect farms of any size, contamination risks are significantly lower on small to mid-sized regional farms. Growing directly for local communities builds trust, transparency, and a stronger commitment to safe farming practices.

Two major reasons for this are supply chain transparency and superior freshness and handling:

• Fewer intermediaries: Food moves directly from the grower to the buyer.
• Traceability: Health officials and consumers can easily identify the specific farm of origin.
• No ‘bulk mixing’: Local produce isn’t ‘bulk mixed’ with crops from hundreds of anonymous farms in large processing plants.
• Shorter transit times: Reduced travel time minimizes the potential for bacterial growth that thrives during interstate or international shipping.
• Direct accountability: Local farmers face direct personal and economic responsibility for safe and clean crop management.

The Brass City Harvest market in Waterbury, CT

Brass City Harvest in Waterbury, CT, is an excellent example of a farmer-run initiative fostering a community-based food system built on trust. Their mission is “to support urban farming, foster a sustainable community food system, provide nutrition education, and increase food access points to address the health, food, and social justice needs of underserved populations in Waterbury.” The Brass City Regional Food Hub supports local economic growth through employment and training while expanding access to fresh food through farmers’ markets, farm to school initiatives, senior and student nutrition programs, and healthful shopping options in local food deserts.

Shawn Joseph, Director of Operations at Brass City Harvest, manages urban farms and gardens across three acres in Waterbury. They grow crops including peppers, lettuce, summer squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fall greens like kale and collards. This produce is sold at local markets or donated to emergency food partners, including soup kitchens, food pantries, church drives, and neighbors—infusing more than 200,000 pounds of fresh food into the Waterbury community each year.

Brass City Harvest also partners with “Trusted Farmers” who adhere to rigorous safety protocols and undergo regular quality control assessments. By visiting these farms regularly and verifying both on-farm and post-harvest standards, Brass City ensures consumers receive the highest quality produce.

Discover how Brass City Harvest strengthens the local food system and serves the community. Learn more here.