WFM Connects Female Veterans with Farmers and Chefs

Westport, Ct. – The Westport Farmers’ Market is proud to announce one of its most creative and meaningful programs to date: the Farmers to Veterans to Community program. Farmers to Veterans to Community (FVC) provides veterans affiliated with Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, Connecticut an opportunity to prepare farm-fresh food with the guidance of WFM’s vast chef network. The veterans learn about the local food scene, the health benefits of local food, and job opportunities available with area restaurants, creating a connection between the veteran, farmer, and restaurant communities around healthful, local food.

“We rolled out the pilot program at the women’s home two months ago with two restaurants and it’s going really well,” said Lori Cochran-Dougall, WFM executive director and architect of the FVC. “Veterans hold a special place in my heart. We couldn’t think of a better way to help those who have served our country and fallen on hard times than by connecting them to the local food community. The program benefits everyone – veterans especially – but also farmers, chefs, the community, and economy, as well.”

Homes for the Brave helps homeless men, women, and their families – particularly veterans – attain housing, life skills, and a livable income to enable them to return to a productive and meaningful life.

“Up to six women have participated in the first two months of the pilot project,” said Kathy Beardsworth of HFTB. “The women – some of whom have experience in the food service industry – are excited about participating. Once we determine that the program works for our smaller population, we’ll introduce it to the men, too.”

Thus far, two chefs, Jennifer Balin of Sugar and Olives in Norwalk, and Dan Sabia of Jesup Hall in Westport, have participated. Together with Cochran-Dougall, the chefs shop from farmers at the WFM, then bring ingredients to the kitchen at the women’s home. From there, the chefs prepare a meal -- demonstrating cooking techniques in collaboration with the veterans. At dinner, they share recipes, and discuss life skills and employment opportunities. 

One of the chefs expressed interest in hiring one of the veterans. For Lori Cochran-Dougall, that is music to her ears. “The WFM is home to a lot of creative programing you won’t find at other farmers’ markets, thanks to the continuing support of Newman’s Own Foundation and our network of sponsors, shoppers, vendors, and benefactors, but Farmers to Veterans to Community is special. It puts to work – literally – our own values of giving back to the community by helping those who have given so much of themselves.”

More dinners are planned for February with area chefs such as Geoff Lazlo, Bill Taibe, Liz Reuven, Matt Storch and….to name a few.

For more information, visit www.westportfarmersmarket.com, or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com. Find the WFM on FB, Instagram, andTwitter, too!  

The Westport Farmers Market is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food. We aspire to create a fun, safe and healthy community environment for education and socialization. Our mission is to increase awareness, knowledge and support for local producers focused on sustainable and healthy growing practices.