The CityCenter Danbury Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday,10:00 am to 2:00 pm(through October 22nd) at Kennedy Park & Elm Street, is pleased to celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week with an announcement that new recent funding allows the Farmers’ Market’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) match to now provide up to $20 per week to purchase vegetables, fruits, and other eligible foods, and the Market’s service to veterans has been enhanced as well.
Through End Hunger CT!/Wholesome Wave, the Market has received $8,000 to match SNAP purchases. The Farmers’ Market has also received $1000 from Farm Credit East to offer our veterans more opportunity to “eat smart”.
“I’m so appreciative of Farm Credit East’s support to further expand access to CT Grown affordable fresh fruits and vegetables at the vibrant Danbury Farmers’ Market”, says Gus Schumacher, the Founding Board Chair of Wholesome Wave and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture. “Market master, Peggy Zamore, is diligently developing her affordable access programs to veterans with the Market’s innovative Veterans Farmers’ Market Certificate program. Farm Credit East’s support couldn’t be more timely”. Farm Credit East, located in Enfield CT, is a cooperative that provides credit and related services to farms throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1916, the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Farmers’ markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, these grassroots venues have increased in number by over 60% since 2009 to more than 8,500 today. These markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, improve community health, and promote sustainability. For example, growers selling locally create thirteen full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned while those that do not sell locally only create three.
“Farmers’ markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of theFarmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
CityCenter Danbury’s Farmers’ Market is also supported by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Viability Grant program, Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC/Kennedy Flats, HARTransit, annual fundraising events, and businesses and individuals.
For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711 or visit danburyfarmersmarket.org
with an announcement that new recent funding allows the Farmers’ Market’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) match to now provide up to $20 per week to purchase vegetables, fruits, and other eligible foods, and the Market’s service to veterans has been enhanced as well.
Through End Hunger CT!/Wholesome Wave, the Market has received $8,000 to match SNAP purchases. The Farmers’ Market has also received $1000 from Farm Credit East to offer our veterans more opportunity to “eat smart”.
“I’m so appreciative of Farm Credit East’s support to further expand access to CT Grown affordable fresh fruits and vegetables at the vibrant Danbury Farmers’ Market”, says Gus Schumacher, the Founding Board Chair of Wholesome Wave and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture. “Market master, Peggy Zamore, is diligently developing her affordable access programs to veterans with the Market’s innovative Veterans Farmers’ Market Certificate program. Farm Credit East’s support couldn’t be more timely”. Farm Credit East, located in Enfield CT, is a cooperative that provides credit and related services to farms throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1916, the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Farmers’ markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, these grassroots venues have increased in number by over 60% since 2009 to more than 8,500 today. These markets preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious food, improve community health, and promote sustainability. For example, growers selling locally create thirteen full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned while those that do not sell locally only create three.
“Farmers’ markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of theFarmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
CityCenter Danbury’s Farmers’ Market is also supported by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Viability Grant program, Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC/Kennedy Flats, HARTransit, annual fundraising events, and businesses and individuals.
For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711 or visit danburyfarmersmarket.org
