Forge City Works, a local nonprofit that provides food access and job training programs to the Hartford community, is hosting a Farm Fresh Box Fundraiser to help put more food on the table of those who need it most.

The specially curated box includes DiFiore pasta, local seasonal vegetables, The Kitchen’s Pesto Sauce, Buttermilk Biscuits, local Strawberries, Basil Whipped Cream, and 365 Everyday Value variety of seasonings donated by presenting sponsor, Whole Foods Market.

“The pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity across the city and beyond. We’ve had to get creative in getting food in the hands of those who need it most, and with the help of Whole Foods Market and other longtime supporters, we can continue to focus on increasing access to fresh and local foods,” said Becky McGuigan, Interim Executive Director of Forge City Works.

FCW operates the Farmers Market at Broad Street, a weekly summer farmers market that brings much-needed fresh and local food to the city while drawing people together in community. A substantial portion of Hartford residents are low income with little access to a grocery store, so the market is an important seasonal source of fresh produce for many, especially seniors and families with children.

As one means for increasing access to healthy, locally grown food, the market is one of six Hartford markets that participate in the Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP), a national non-profit program that provides customers with an incentive to spend their SNAP dollars at farmers markets by doubling the value of SNAP they spend on produce.

Boxes are $55 each and serve two people. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support Forge City Works efforts to increase access to fresh and local foods. For every box purchased, Whole Foods Market will match the purchase price to allow FCW to provide a FREE box to a SNAP recipient.

Pick-up will be on Thursday, June 24th from 11 am to 2 pm at the Farmers’ Market on Broad Street (539 Broad Street Hartford, CT 06106). People are encouraged to take a stroll, enjoy live music and shop from local farmers and vendors.

For more information and to purchase a box visit: www.forgecityworks.org/event/farmfresh