Who We Are
Coming out of the UConn CAHNR Extension , #heartctgrown is an initiative to promote farms, Farmer's Markets, CSA's, and pick-your-own operations throughout the state of Connecticut. We believe that local food is an important venue for making meaningful connections to each other and to building strong, resilient, healthy communities that are ready to tackle challenges together. We hope to share the stories of these connections, and that it will encourage you to tell your stories too.
Behind the Hashtag
Jiff Martin- Extension Educator, Sustainable Food Systems
Jiff Martin is an active program manager of several extension programs promoting local food and assisting new farm enterprises for the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. She has worked for over 12 years on food and agriculture issues in Connecticut. Jiff #heartctgrown because local food and farms can change the future of our food system.
Becca Toms- Communications Coordinator
Becca has worked primarily with non-profits in the sustainable food and agriculture sector for almost 10 years and has been managing social media and communications for over 5 years. She #heartctgrown because she knows that growing food locally gets the community involved in the process. This allows for a potential of learning and transformation in the land but also in people and communities.
Mackenzie White- Program Assistant
MacKenzie White has worked for UConn Extension for almost 6 years now, specifically involved in many programs and projects including ones focused on supporting Connecticut agriculture. Growing up on a farm herself, MacKenzie understands the amount of determination, long hours, and sweat that goes into producing a wonderful product for others to enjoy. She #heartctgrown not only because the local products always taste better, but the Connecticut farmers behind their products are remarkable.
Alyssa Benoit- Communications Intern
Alyssa Benoit is a senior at UConn, studying Allied Health Sciences, and is in the Fast-Track program for a Master's in Public Administration. She began interning with UConn Extension in the summer of 2020. Alyssa #heartctgrown because she values knowing where and who her food came from, and supporting the local farms and families behind it!