Now entering its 7th season, City Center Danbury's Farmers' Market has proven consistent and persistent in its extensive effort to provide access to fresh food to the largest possible population in need by target marketing deep into the community and developing proactive services. In recognition of the Market's ever sprouting nutrition-in-action program, "Better Food For Better Health," Fairfield County's Community Foundation has awarded the Market with a grant of $34,000 through a donor advised fund, providing much-needed funds to continue serving SNAP ("food stamps") recipients, seniors, veterans, women and children and others with access to 'Connecticut Grown' produce and farm goods. Fairfield County's Community Fund envisions a vital and inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community.
Peggy Zamore, nutritionist and coordinator of the Market, which is managed by CityCenter Danbury, notes that "over 7 years, FCCF has awarded $140,500 in grant dollars for our work and that of the the Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) and participating vendors. Without FCCF support, our programs wouldn't be possible. From all of us, a bushel of thanks."
A donor advised fund, set up through Fairfield County's Community Foundation, is an easy and cost-effective way to support your favorite nonprofits anywhere in the country, or around the world, at any time you choose. FCCF staff work with you to manage your fund, assist you to answer any questions or needs, confirm that your recommended charities meet IRS requirements, and then issue grant checks to the organizations. Gifts to your fund qualify for an immediate tax deduction, regardless of when you decide to recommend grants. For more information about the Foundation's comprehensive services, visit fccfoundation.org
Among the services supported by FCCF funding are:
- Accepting and matching Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) "food stamps", up to $15 per week, by enabling SNAP recipients to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards;
- Providing Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers at the Market for seniors;
- Matching FMNP vouchers, up to $9 per week, for seniors and recipients of The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
- Providing Market Fruit & Veggie gift certificates for veterans;
- Working with the Danbury Coalition for Healthy Kids, a collaborative enabling children to provide their families with fresh produce;
- Making bus passes available through HARTransit to those who need a ride home;
- Free blood pressure checks & Nutrition, Health & Fitness information; and
- The opportunity for community co-mingling and chat.
CityCenter Danbury's Farmers' Market is also supported by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm Viability Grant program, Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC/Kennedy Flats (who are underwriting live music at the Market this year), HARTransit, annual fundraising events, and businesses and individuals.
The Danbury Farmers' Market will open Saturday, June 25th and run every Saturday through October 22nd at Kennedy Park (Main & Elm Streets). Hours are 10:00am to 2:00pm. For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at(203) 792 1711 or visit danburyfarmersmarket.org