Rural Health Transformation Program
Forecasted
Rural Health Transformation Program supports Connecticut’s rural communities and farmworkers through investments in farms, local food systems, and health services to improve food access and health.
Funder: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $154,249,105.53 statewide federal award for Budget Period 1
Summary: Supports Connecticut rural health through investments in agricultural production, local food infrastructure, food access, and farmworker health services.
Key Information: Funding is restricted to federally approved projects.
Description
Connecticut’s Food as Health Infrastructure Initiative uses investments in the local food system as a preventive health strategy. Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture administers competitive grants and targeted investments to strengthen agricultural production, food system infrastructure, and partnerships among farms, food access organizations, healthcare providers, federally recognized tribal nations, and community-based organizations. The Department of Social Services leads the statewide program in partnership with other state agencies.
The agriculture component prioritizes access to fresh, locally produced, culturally relevant CT Grown food and mental health resources. It also strengthens rural food access systems and supports direct health services and on-farm safety for agricultural workers. These investments aim to improve access to mental and physical health and nutrition-related resources and influence long-term health outcomes.
