Advocating for Healthy Food and Better Health Outcomes in Hartford.
We are a coalition of community leaders, organizations, and residents dedicated to creating a healthier Hartford. Our mission is to address systemic food insecurity, promote health equity, and drive sustainable economic development. Our work is inspired by the lived experiences of Hartford residents and guided by groundbreaking research.
Through collaboration, research, and action, the CATF works to:
- Enhance access to healthy and affordable food in Hartford, especially in North Hartford.
- Support people representative of the NHPZ area food entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Promote health as a key driver of community transformation.
- Advocate for innovative policies like the Healthy Overlay District to sustain long-term change.
Join Us in Building a Healthier Hartford
Get involved today! Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community advocate, your voice and actions can help shape a healthier Hartford. Take Action Now
A Hub for Transformation
The Healthy Hartford Hub and A Full-Service Grocery Store
The Healthy Hartford Hub and its Community Action Task Force is committed to addressing Hartford’s food insecurity crisis by supporting the development of a full-service grocery store and establishment of the Arrowhead Gateway.
This transformative project will:
- Provide fresh, affordable, and culturally appropriate food to North Hartford Promise Zone residents.
- Return an estimated 60% of the $38 million currently spent annually by Hartford residents traveling to nearby towns for groceries.
- Create jobs, employing 75-90 part-time and 20-30 full-time workers in the supermarket alone, with additional retail and health-promoting services generating more positions.
This development being more than a place to shop— but a symbol of community resilience, health equity, and economic opportunity.
Healthy Overlay District: Zoning for Health
The Healthy Overlay District is a visionary policy initiative designed to restructure urban planning in the Arrowhead Gateway area by:
- Banning development harming our community to promote healthier eating options and lifestyles.
- Establishing stocking standards for corner stores, ensuring that fresh produce and other nutritious items are readily available.
- Incentivizing grocery stores and health-promoting businesses to prioritize healthy food access and community needs.
This policy framework ensures that Arrowhead Gateway becomes a model for lasting revitalization.