Advancing Greenwich’s food security initiatives by
strengthening & leveraging relationships, knowledge and networks
ACCESS & EQUITY
- 27% of Greenwich residents live at or below the ALICE threshold
- Greenwich Living Wage Baseline: $145,000 for a four-person household
- Minimum income required for eligibility for family of four: $41,795 (free lunch) & $59,478 (reduced lunch)
ALICE = Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed
- Connecticut currently overtakes Maine for the highest food insecurity rate in New England (14.3% of the population) and the 3rd highest rate among all Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (behind only West Virginia at 15.7% and New York at 14.5%.)
Greenwich, Connecticut is a town of stark contrasts. Renowned for its affluence and high median incomes, it also harbors pockets of poverty and faces significant economic disparities. These disparities are reflected in various aspects of life, including access to food. Despite its overall wealth, Greenwich has residents who experience food insecurity, lacking consistent access to enough nutritious food for a healthy life. This issue is often hidden within the broader affluence of the town. According to the Greenwich United Way's 2020 Needs Assessment, 7% of the town's population lives below the poverty level, and 22% are classified as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This means nearly one in three Greenwich residents are just a missed paycheck or unexpected expense away from financial hardship. The ALICE designation highlights the precarious situation of many working families in Greenwich. These are individuals who may be employed but earn wages insufficient to cover basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and transportation. They often work in service sector jobs, retail, or even as caregivers, yet struggle to afford to live in the community they serve.
There are several factors that contribute to food insecurity in Greenwich, including the high cost of living, income inequality, and the stigma associated with food insecurity. Various organizations and initiatives in Greenwich are working to address food insecurity and promote equity and access to food. These range from food pantries providing emergency food assistance to community gardens offering residents the opportunity to grow their own foods, and even organizations working to raise awareness about food insecurity, as well as to advocate for policies that promote food equity.
Addressing food insecurity in Greenwich will require a multi-faceted approach. First, this should include raising awareness of the issue and reducing the stigma surrounding it. Next, it would require expanding access to food assistance programs and resources. Finally, successfully addressing food insecurity in Greenwich requires community engagement and a greater fostering of community involvement in addressing food insecurity. By working together, the community can strive to ensure that all residents of Greenwich have access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.
Farmers' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
What is the FMNP? The FMNP provides funds eligible participants (WIC participants and low-income seniors) purchase fresh produce from Connecticut farmer's. The program runs from June 1st to November 30th each year.
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC:
- Eligible WIC participants are issued FMNP benefits in addition to their regular WIC benefits. These benefits can be used to buy eligible foods from farmers, farmers markets or roadside stands that have been approved by the state agency to accept FMNP benefits.
The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to:
- Provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.
- Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs.
- Aid in the development of new and additional farmers markets, roadside stands, and community support agricultural programs.
Where can I use my benefits? Benefits can be redeemed at Connecticut farmers’ markets and select farmstands throughout the state.
Who is eligible?
- Women, infants, and children (WIC) participants
- Seniors over 60 (SFMNP)
- Disabled individuals meeting income and housing guidelines (SFMNP)
What can I buy with FMNP benefits?
- ONLY CT Grown
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fresh Cut herbs
- Eggs (State funds only)
- Honey (Seniors only)