Location: New Haven
Website: www.cityseed.org

CitySeed seeks to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture. The organization operates four farmers’ markets in New Haven, where only products grown or produced in Connecticut are sold, and established the first year round open-air farmers’ market in Connecticut.In 2007, vendor sales at these markets contributed over $1.6 million to job creation and the local economy; farmers redeemed over $64,460 in WIC coupons and Food Stamps from local families in need, ensuring the markets are accessible to the entire community. Furthermore, CitySeed has launched innovative programs in New Haven and across the state to further engage and connect communities through food, including www.BuyCTGrown.com, a website that offers a comprehensive guide to local food, farms and agricultural products in Connecticut. CitySeed also developed a pre-school curriculum to help children become healthy readers and healthy eaters and operates a Community Supported Market, at which community members can buy shares and receive deliveries of produce from all of the farmers at the Fair Haven market.

CitySeed recieved a Connecticut Climate Change Leadership Award, was named one of the 10 best farmers markets in America by USA Today, and recieved a Golden Groccer award from the USDAin 2007. CitySeed’s markets have been featured multiple times in the New York Times.