Photo by Winter Caplanson.

In response to a growing concern about a food supply chain crisis in Connecticut and nationwide, more than half a dozen Connecticut restaurants have partnered with the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub (NWCT Food Hub) to offer unique food shares directly to consumers. Similar to a traditional CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), the Food Hub connects restaurants with locally sourced, nutrient-dense food options from over 30 farms in the state’s northwest region, including honey, maple syrup, eggs and produce. Restaurants are given the option to contribute their own specialty items to the boxes, while customers sign up with the restaurants to purchase and pick up their share. Restaurants currently participating in the program include Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant in Kent, Saltwater Grille in Litchfield, The Village Restaurant in Litchfield, Fork & Fire in Farmington, Present Company in Tariffville and Union League Cafe in New Haven. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to continue supporting our region’s farmers and getting fresh, healthy food to the region’s residents,” said Hub Manager Renée Giroux. “We also want to continue our relationships with our local chefs and restaurants while supporting them during this difficult time. In order to do that, we propose to partner with local restaurants that would like to offer a farm/share CSA service to their customers.”Restaurants interested in working with the Food Hub can contact Giroux at nwctfoodhub@gmail.com or 203-206-5459.