Thy Neighbors Farm

Torrington, CT

Date Funded: March, 2025

Thy Neighbors Farm began as Steven Thompson's backyard garden during the pandemic—a desire to respond to food insecurity among local families. Initially donating to food pantries, Steven soon saw the need for larger-scale local food production. The farm expanded to 1.5 acres of vegetables in 2022, added sheep in 2023, and by 2025 had a breeding herd of 100 ewes, grazing in partnership with local solar providers. They provide mutual aid to two food banks, a homeless shelter, a community kitchen, and a veterans’ support group.

During this rapid growth, Thy Neighbors Farm has leveraged grants to improve infrastructure. In 2025, they received three grants to support new projects: a Connecticut Farm Transition Grant for chicken tractors, a Climate Smart grant for mobile fencing and sheep handling equipment, and a New England Regenerative Livestock Farming grant for soil building. Since these grants require upfront costs before reimbursement, a low-interest bridge loan from Foodshed Capital provided the farm business with cash flow and allowed them to execute their grant projects on time.