Everyone deserves access to healthy food.  Real Food Share is a Newtown-based 501(c)3 running Giving Gardens, connecting local farms to food pantries, and realizing their Small Farm Model as a sustainable piece of the regional food system.  Serving three western CT counties, our programs donated over 31K lbs of fresh produce to 12 different pantries in 2021.The Young Farmer Internship program has already trained 15 high school and college students that are interested in agriculture and service, with another 10 lined up for the 2022 season.  After collecting surplus for donation from local farms for the last two seasons, we’re implementing a Farm-to-Pantry Direct Purchasing Program this year.  Through government grants and regional partnerships, Real Food Share will look to reward farmers with upfront payments for their produce, securing the most nutritious and flavorful food for neighbors in need.  Real Food Share will be announcing their “Real Food Fund” this spring to serve as the hub of this project moving forward.Looking to the future, we are laying the groundwork to replicate our Small Farm Model in underserved communities in the region, particularly Bridgeport and Danbury.  The goal will be to provide opportunities for aspiring BIPOC farmers to run a small farm, gain experience, and become an integral part of the local food system.  Strategy, inclusion, outreach, education and consistent effort will make it all happen.