Inside Fairgate Farm: How Stamford's Urban Farm is Growing Food, Community and Opportunity for All

Tucked away on Stillwater Avenue, Fairgate Farm is proving that an urban farm can be much more than a place to grow food.

Opened in 2011, the farm originally focused on connecting people to the food system. Over the years, that mission has evolved to address a growing need for food security throughout Stamford.

"We started as a way to connect people to the food system," said Farm Manager Pete Novajosky. "As the needs of the community changed, our mission evolved to focus more on food security."

The property itself has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before becoming a farm, the site was home to housing that was removed during neighborhood redevelopment efforts. Today, it's a thriving community resource powered largely by volunteers.

The farm grows thousands of pounds of produce each year, helping make fresh food more accessible through its Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand, Community Fridge and other programs. Novajosky noted that food insecurity affects more Stamford residents than many people realize, including working families struggling to keep up with rising costs.

Since opening, Fairgate Farm has helped distribute more than 100,000 pounds of food while creating opportunities for residents to learn, volunteer and connect with their local food system.

Visitors can also shop at the farm's weekly Farmers Market, where many of the fruits and vegetables are harvested right on-site. The market operates Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Education is another key part of the farm's mission. School groups regularly visit to learn about plant biology, food systems, climate impacts and sustainable agriculture. For many students, it's their first opportunity to see where food comes from and experience a working farm firsthand.

Fairgate Farm's impact extends well beyond growing vegetables. Its work centers around food access, environmental stewardship, education, volunteerism and community building. The farm's composting program diverts tens of thousands of pounds of food waste from landfills each year, while regenerative farming practices help improve soil health for future harvests.

Looking ahead, Novajosky believes urban agriculture can play an important role in creating a more food-secure and resilient Stamford.

Residents can learn more about the farm during Strengthening Our Roots, a free community event taking place on Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Guests can enjoy homemade pizza, drinks and an opportunity to explore the farm while learning about its impact on the community. The event will celebrate the farm's growth over the past 15 years and highlight opportunities for residents and businesses to get involved.

Whether you're shopping the Farmstand, attending a workshop, dropping off compost scraps or simply walking the grounds, Fairgate Farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, local food and the community right here in Stamford.

Fairgate Farm is located at 129 Stillwater Avenue in Stamford. For more information or to RSVP for Strengthening Our Roots, visit FairgateFarm.com.