Patron in the City: Betty Reece, Ellington Farmers Market

We believe that passionate individuals can spur change in their communities. We refer to those individuals as Patrons in the City, dedicating their time, sweat, and tears to building vibrant communities.

The Ellington Farmers Market is a nonprofit committed to supporting local agriculture and improving food accessibility in Ellington, Connecticut. To further their vision of providing everyone access to fresh, local food, they created Farmers Feeding Families, a program that allows Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Voucher recipients to double their benefits when purchasing nutritious food from local farmers. This initiative bridges the gap between food insecurity and food access while strengthening the local agricultural community.

Betty Reece, Market Manager at the Ellington Farmers Market, is proud to support market leadership by expanding the market’s fundraising strategy to help meet the growing demand for food assistance. With a passion for community-driven initiatives, she co-facilitates projects that strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, nutritious food for all residents. She is grateful to be part of the tiny team behind an amazing hub for sustainable food programs, small business growth, and inclusive community engagement.

Betty has launched two crowdfunding campaigns so far on behalf of the Ellington Farmers Market for the Farmers Feeding Families program. Once again, this past year's campaign exceeded its goal and secured a grant from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, which supports projects that align with their roadmap of actions that promote high-quality, healthy, and inclusive neighborhoods and towns. The campaign crowdfunded $7,969 to support the Farmers Feeding Families program, unlocking a $7,500 grant from Sustainable CT.

We spoke with Betty to learn more about the positive impact she is having on her community.

Patronicity: Tell us about your community! Why do you love where you live and work?

Betty: Ellington is a town that blends small-town charm with a strong sense of community and forward-thinking initiatives. The farmers market serves as a gathering place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate local food, support small businesses, and build meaningful connections.

What makes Ellington truly special is the way residents step up for one another—whether it’s through volunteer efforts, local business collaborations, or supporting food access programs like Farmers Feeding Families. The dedication of our farmers, vendors, and community members fuels my passion for this work every day.

Patronicity: What was your project, and why was it necessary?

Betty: Our project was a crowdfunding campaign to expand the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) doubling initiative at the Ellington Farmers Market. This program provides financial support to low-income seniors and WIC recipients by doubling the value of their FMNP vouchers, allowing them to purchase more fresh, local food.

Rising food costs and economic challenges have made food insecurity an urgent issue, and this project directly addressed that need by increasing access to nutritious, locally sourced food while also supporting our area farmers.

Patronicity: What inspired you to get involved with the Farmers Market?

Betty: I was inspired to get involved with the Ellington Farmers Market because of the impact it made on me personally. When I first moved to Ellington with my then two-year-old son, the market felt like a magical place out of a Hallmark movie about small-town living. When I learned about their work with food insecurity, I knew I could be of service.

Access to healthy food should be a right, not a privilege. Though I can’t take credit for creating the project, I’m very proud to have been part of nurturing it. Using community support and Sustainable CT’s matching funds to benefit both consumers and producers was a wonderful way to help build a healthy community.

Patronicity: What have been the results of your crowdfunding campaign? How has the project changed your community?

Betty: Thanks to the generosity of our community and the Sustainable CT match, we successfully raised the funds needed to expand our FMNP doubling program.

Last year, we matched $26,789 worth of FMNP vouchers, significantly increasing the food-buying power of local seniors and families with young children. The program has improved food security for our most vulnerable residents while simultaneously benefiting local farmers, keeping more dollars circulating within our community.

Patronicity: How has the community responded to the program?

Betty: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Vendors have expressed their gratitude for the increased support of their farm-fresh products, and recipients of the program have shared heartfelt stories of how this initiative has helped them put healthy meals on the table.

Community members have embraced the market not just as a place to shop but as a space to connect, learn, and give back. The outpouring of support has reinforced that this is a community that cares deeply about its neighbors.

Patronicity: What do you hope community members take away from this project?

Betty: I hope people recognize the power they have to create meaningful change in their communities. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every action—big or small—helps build a more resilient and compassionate local food system.

I also hope this project continues to highlight the importance of supporting local farmers and making fresh food accessible to all.

Patronicity: How did Sustainable CT’s matching dollars support your project and further its impact on the community?

Betty: Sustainable CT’s matching dollars were a game-changer. By doubling every donation, they amplified the impact of our campaign, encouraging more people to give and making it possible for us to meet our fundraising goal faster. This partnership demonstrated the power of collaborative funding to drive real, measurable change and strengthened our ability to sustain this vital food access program.

Patronicity: What could other communities learn from your project?

Betty: Other communities can learn that small, grassroots efforts can lead to substantial, long-term impact. By identifying a critical need, building partnerships, and engaging local supporters, even a small nonprofit can implement meaningful solutions. Crowdfunding, especially with matching grants, is a powerful tool that allows communities to take control of their own well-being and invest in programs that truly matter.

Patronicity: If someone wanted to become more involved in their community, what advice would you give them?

Betty: Start by identifying what you’re passionate about and find a local organization working in that area. Whether it’s food access, sustainability, or supporting small businesses, there are countless ways to get involved. Attend community meetings, volunteer at events, and don’t be afraid to ask how you can help. Most importantly, recognize that change happens when people show up—your voice, time, and efforts can make a real difference in shaping a stronger, more connected community.

Follow the Ellington Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.

If you’re in Ellington, be sure to visit the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM, May through October, to enjoy fresh, local food, music, and art!

Take Action!

We are deeply inspired by Betty’s commitment to providing fresh, healthy food to families and supporting her local food economy. Here’s how you can initiate change in your community:

• Shop at your local farmers market.
• Research if your farmers market has a program similar to the Farmers Feeding Families program, and contribute to support your neighbors with nutritious, locally grown food.
  • Resource: SNAP Guide for Farmers Markets from the Farmers Market Coalition

Do you have an idea to make your Connecticut community more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant? Contact Sustainable CT at funding@sustainablect.org to share your great idea and start crowdfunding your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of more green spaces, solar for public areas, greenways for biking and walking, murals and other public art, green jobs programs, or community gardens, Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund can help by providing fast, flexible funding and support for sustainability projects that engage your Connecticut community. Learn more at www.patronicity.com/sustainablect.