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| | | GROW FOOD. EMPOWER YOUTH. BUILD COMMUNITY.
FRESH New London is a small but mighty food justice non-profit. Our mission is to build momentum for food system change through local agriculture, community partnerships, and youth leadership training, in order to dismantle systemic oppression and ensure everyone has access to food with dignity.
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Nearly 100 People Came out to the Rally Against State Budget Cuts: “We Need a Budget That Puts People First”
Concerned youth and other supporters attended a rally held by Hearing Youth Voices, The People’s Budget Coalition New London, F.R.E.S.H. New London, Fiddleheads Food Co-op, and Working Families Power to demand urgent action against state budget cuts as a necessary step toward a fair, people-centered financial future for New London. This was part of a statewide week of action for the CT for All Coalition.
In New London, a loss in state revenue has been cited as a key factor in the fiscally lean budget passed this month. Among other things, the current budget may lead to a reduction of up to 30 New London Public Schools’ staff positions.
“This flat funding shows how undervalued students are, and I’m here at this rally in support of removing the fiscal guardrails that stand in the way of services like education getting the funding they deserve,” stated high school senior and FRESH New London member Elvis Herrera.
To learn more about the Coalition, visit HERE
And to read the full article in The Day newspaper, visit HERE |
| | Are you concerned about how our city's spending is affecting you and your community? Are you ready to make your voice heard? Join us at the next People's Budget Coalition meeting!
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| | | | YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT |
| | 2025 Summer Youth Program
FRESH New London's Summer Youth Program is a leadership development & community engagement program for youth aged 14-20. Our youth are compensated while they learn, either through a FRESH stipend or via our partnership with New London Youth Affairs.
This program will run Wednesdays through Saturdays, from July 9th to August 16th. This summer's work will include maintaining all FRESH garden and farm sites, connecting with the New London community through various programs and partnerships we've set in place, and critical exploration of the U.S. food system. To apply, follow the link below!
Youth will be paid hourly at minimum wage ($16.35/hour) through New London Youth Affairs every two weeks during programming. This application is due on June 14th. |
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Vetiveah Immanuel
Food Justice Educator
Born and raised in Louisiana, Ve grew up as a picky eater and has since transformed into a dedicated community feeder. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of agriculture, community-building, and entrepreneurship, Ve is a farmer and food justice advocate deeply committed to restoring local food systems. Rooted in the belief that healing begins by reconnecting mind, body, and soil, Ve’s work centers on food and land sovereignty.
She is the founder of Radiance Gardens, a garden and educational hub that promotes cultural food traditions, and the co-founder of Liberated Land Cooperative—a Black and Brown farmer-led organization that grows culturally relevant produce through a CSA model in Connecticut’s most food-insecure areas. Ve also supports emerging entrepreneurs by helping them navigate and overcome systemic barriers to launching and scaling food and beverage businesses.
As a Food Justice Educator, Ve is dedicated to connecting the community through shared gardens and empowering youth with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves and their food systems. |
| | | Open to the public!
Around Town Events! |
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| FRESH is fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England, Inc (TSNE).
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Phone: 860-574-9006
P.O. Box 285 New London, CT 06320 |
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