Immediate Relief on Groceries & August Primary Reminder

August 7, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Immediate Grocery Relief
  • August Primary Reminder
  • Farmers' Market Week
 

Immediate Grocery Relief

Thousands of families, including households with children, just lost access to SNAP benefits because of new federal changes. This comes at a time when we have worked so hard to expand access to free school meals and reduce food insecurity.

In response, Governor Ned Lamont has announced a one-time $300 grocery benefit, for eligible households. The benefit is accessible on a prepaid virtual grocery card – not an existing EBT card – and can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard or Visa at any food retailer.

Individuals qualify if they lost SNAP eligibility due to the federal changes that took effect on December 1, 2025, and are no longer receiving SNAP benefits.

The program is funded by $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund, which was created through a bipartisan vote of the legislature and approved by Governor Lamont to help residents affected by recent federal policy changes.

We understand this one-time benefit cannot fully replace the assistance that many families have lost, but it will provide immediate relief for those who are really in need.
Learn more about eligibility and how to access the benefit
 

August Primary Reminder

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, and early voting is available through Saturday, August 9. Please look at the graphic below for voting hours.

Veterans Hall inside Waterbury City Hall serves as our early voting location.

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on August 10, provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months. 
Click here to update your party affiliation
 

Farmers' Market Week

It's Connecticut Farmers' Market Week, a great time to celebrate the farmers, vendors, and volunteers who make our local farmers' markets such an important part of our communities.

Farmers' markets do more than provide fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other products. They strengthen our local economy, support family farms, improve access to healthy food, and create welcoming gathering places where neighbors can connect.

The Connecticut Farmers' Market Association plays a vital role in supporting these markets through education, advocacy, and resources that help them thrive.

If you're looking to shop local, here is the farmers' market in our area:

  • Brass City Harvest
    Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Waterbury Senior Center, 1985 East Main Street
    AND
    Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Waterbury Green, 1 West Main Street

The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) helping ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to more families.