Bridgeport, CT - Black Rock Farmers Market, Inc.’s Board of Directors has announced that BRFM has partnered with nOURISH BRIDGEPORT, INC. (formerly known as the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives, Inc.), the 501c3 charity of the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport. This organizational change is being made to provide sustainability to the great tradition of the BRFM, according to a spokesperson.
The Black Rock Farmers Market (BRFM) is a beloved entity in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport. It was founded, developed and has been managed for the past four years by Michelle Margo and Karyn Leito. BRFM includes a wide variety of vendors, artisans, food trucks, food demonstrations, educational programs and live music in a family-friendly, open space in the Black Rock neighborhood, in St. Ann Church’s Field. It operates every Saturday of the summer (18 weeks) from 9:00am - 1:00 pm and hosts a large end-of-season, super farmer’s market party called the Hootenanny.
BRFM encourages use of the SNAP/Nutrition Incentive Program, and is an active partner in the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. BRFM has an engaged Board of Directors.
BRFM must continue, say supporters, adding that it is a staple in the community, providing not only local fresh fruit, vegetables and other delicious foods, but a safe, healthy and fun place for families to gather and enjoy the harvest and art of their community. It also gives farmers and entrepreneurs a large capacity for marketing their food products and artisans a venue for showcasing their craft. The BRFM connects people and builds community.
The dream that began just a few years ago is ready to grow into its next chapter, maintaining its high quality and commitment to its values.
nOURISH BRIDGEPORT, INC. (a 501(c)3 charity, formerly known as the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives, Inc.) was developed by United Congregational Church in 2010, to further its outreach into the community of the South End and West Side. nOURISH BRIDGEPORT is a volunteer-powered, food-centered, and community-anchored not-for-profit, bringing hope to our City through direct service programs, such as:
Weekly Community Supper = 9000 meals/year
Weekly Food Pantry/Community Market = 118,000 lbs of food/year
Weekly Domestic Violence Victims Food Pantry = 275 women/year
Weekly English as a Second Language Classes = 35 students/year and growing
Weekly Baby Center = 300 babies/year
Winter Emergency Overflow Shelter = 400 homeless guest per year
Plus: Summer Farmer’s Market, Winter Coat Closet, Weekly Hygiene Bank, Thanksgiving Feast Quarterly Healthy Families, and Seasonal Community Gardens
nOURISH BRIDGEPORT has 16 part-time staff, managed by Executive Director Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq., and has an active Board of Directors.
The United Congregational Church of Bridgeport (UCC) is an active, vibrant 323-year-old congregation of the progressive and inclusive United Church of Christ. Its 300 members come from all over the Greater Bridgeport area. It is known for welcoming all people, and its involvement and leadership in the City of Bridgeport, the roots of which it began in 1695. It is committed to the growth and viability of the City, and the health and vitality of its neighbors.
This new partnership will continue the high quality standards to which the Black Rock neighborhood has become accustomed each week, and the Fall Hootenanny. To that goal, the Founders of the BRFM, Michelle Margo and Karyn Leito, will be serving as Consultants to the BRFM Partnership.
The FIFTH Season. The public is invited to opening day, June 9th. Some returning vendors include: Source Coffee Bus, A Pinch of Salt, Hot Chicks, The Tasty Yolk, Whisk & Brush, Om Pajamas, Pious Bird, and many more. The Market will also have three weekly farmers bringing their local produce: Fort Hill Farm, Laurel Glen Farm and Seeding Knowledge.