Danbury Farmers' Market Community Collaborative Receives Grant from State

Danbury Farmers' Market Community Collaborative Receives $27,133 award

from Farm Viability Grant Program of the CT Department of Agriculture

The Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) has received a grant of $27,133 from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm Viability Grant program in support of a multi-pronged goal to increase consumer participation and vendor sales by at least 25 percent in 2016.  In partnership with CityCenter Danbury, the Danbury Farmers' Market Community Collaborative is comprised of more than 30 community leaders who share the goal of fostering Downtown economic development, agricultural viability, and to provide equitable access to fresh food for all. The highly competitive Farm Viability Grant program is aimed at helping municipalities and agricultural non-profits to create infrastructure that sustains and enhances agriculture in their communities with the help of matching grants.

"As we approach our 7th season, getting the word out to the Danbury region that the Danbury Farmers’ Market has sprouted new energy, and vibrancy is a critical piece of our marketing strategy. The success of the next 10 years rides on the success of promoting this growth, and this grant makes that possible," says Peggy Zamore, nutritionist and coordinator of the Market.

Recently awarded to more than a dozen municipalities and non-profit organizations across the state, the Farm Viability Grant, funded by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, supports improvements to and the promotion of farmers’ markets, expansion of school and community gardens, preservation of farmland, the installation of composting facilities, and other enhancement programs. 

“Over the years, this grant program has been very successful in helping our cities and towns accomplish projects that support farming, growing healthy food, and connecting residents with agriculture in a number of ways,” Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky notes.

With the move from Fridays to Saturdays, organizers expect an increase in the number of vendors, while improving the merchant mix. Additionally, the Farmers' Market is aiming to create a new stream of customers, adding to the existing loyal customers who have supported the market over the years. With increased numbers of nearby shoppers, the market will be able to offer such products as cheese, breads, poultry, and other value-added products, while continuing its highly successful nutrition-in-action program, "Better Health Through Better Food", serving  food-insecure community members by doubling the value of their government food assistance at the market. 

Based on a successful pilot program this past season, the community buzz will be created through a mix of strategies including print ads with coupons, on-line ads, monthly market promotional giveaways, bus ads, and direct marketing to potential new cash/credit and nutrition benefit shoppers. An element of fun is planned: Market Madness, special promotion days with market-branded giveaways.

The Danbury Farmers' Market will open Saturday, June 25th and run every Saturday through October 29th. Hours are 10:00am to 2:00pm. For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711 or visit citycenterdanbury.com The Danbury Farmers' Market Community Collaborative will participate in Fairfield County's Community Foundation GIVING DAY on Thursday, March 10th.  For info, go to fcgives.org