The current COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented and urgent challenges to our local food system. Despite these uncertainties, CitySeed believes that this is a unique opportunity to transform, evolve, and meet the needs of our community in new ways both in the midst of this pandemic and after it has passed. Our mission is more relevant than ever: to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development, and sustainable agriculture. We need your help!

Since 2004, CitySeed has been operating vibrant farmers' markets throughout New Haven that serve nearly 55,000 visitors each year and support the livelihoods of 60 local farmers and food entrepreneurs.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers' markets have been deemed an “essential service” by executive order in Connecticut. Across the country, outdoor farmers' markets matter now more than ever. Therefore, CitySeed’s markets are uniquely positioned to provide access to safe, nutritious local food, especially to low-income residents through our SNAP, WIC, and Senior Voucher programs. And for many, outdoor markets are a preferable alternative than going into crowded supermarkets for their food needs.

CitySeed staff need support to adapt New Haven’s beloved markets to comply with public health best practices and serve our community. By working closely with the City of New Haven, CitySeed has proactively implemented safety guidelines to protect the health of our market vendors, staff and the public. This time-sensitive effort has ensured that our neighbors who visit the market can do so at a safe distance, accessing fresh foods and local goods that are so vital during this time. We were able to close-out our Winter Market season, running successful markets under this model, filling all pre-order pick-up time slots, and providing a safe grocery shopping environment for vendors, customers, and staff.