In September, UConn Extension’s Community Nutrition Program hosted the Danbury Food Collaborative for its monthly meeting at the Bethel Extension Office. The collaborative brings together food pantries and community organizations from across the greater Danbury area, rotating meeting locations each month to strengthen partnerships and share resources. This month, 16 local food pantries and organizations gathered at Extension to connect, learn, and see firsthand how Extension supports food access in the community.

Before the meeting began, the Extension team led a guided tour of the Bethel office and demonstration garden. For many attendees, it was their very first visit to UConn Extension—and their first time seeing the garden where fresh produce donated to local food pantries is grown.

The tour was made especially meaningful by the presence of Fran Litwin, a longtime UConn Extension supporter, former 4-H member, and current Master Gardener. Fran shared her deep personal connection to Extension, offering historical insight into the property and answering questions along the way. She fondly recalled coming to the “white building” as a child to learn how to can fruits and vegetables, participating in horse shows at the fair, and watching her uncle serve as a 4-H leader. Her stories brought the history and mission of Extension to life.

Food pantry leaders were enthusiastic about seeing the garden in person. Peter Kent of Daily Bread Food Pantry in Danbury shared how much he appreciated the tour and the steady stream of fresh produce he receives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the growing season. Many participants expressed how meaningful it was to walk through the garden, see the vegetables and flowers growing, and better understand where these donations come from.

In addition to fresh produce, Master Gardener volunteers often bundle floral bouquets—featuring dahlias and other seasonal blooms—for food pantry clients. Seeing the flowers in the garden was a highlight for many pantry leaders, who noted how much these bouquets are appreciated by the people they serve.

The visit strengthened relationships between UConn Extension and local food pantries, reinforcing a shared commitment to nourishment, education, and community connection—grown right here in Connecticut.