Westport, Ct – Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by American Farmland Trust (AFT) as the 10th best farmers market in the country; the 6th top farmers market in the Northeast; and the 3rd favorite farmers market in Connecticut during this summer’s Farmers’ Market Celebration! From June through September, 2019, AFT ran a contest to “ensure that markets across the county get the recognition they deserve … nationally and at the regional level.”
In its eleventh year, the Farmers Market Celebration rallies community support for local food while raising awareness about the loss of America’s farmland and its impact on local food. Using the hashtag #onmyfork, AFT sought stories on social media about the cream of the crop of farmers markets across the U.S. And Westport shoppers responded!
“It is such an honor to be recognized by our shoppers, vendors, and AFT as one of the top markets in the nation,” said Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director of WFM. “AFT gets that farmers markets matter at a time when farms are diminishing and threatened by development. Farmers who participate in markets are staving off development and succeeding where others, unfortunately, are not.”
AFT’s summer-long campaign helped to promote markets, farmers, vendors, and the people and places that bring communities fresh, healthful food. According to AFT president, John Piotti, “The role that markets play is invaluable, not only because they provide us with such a vital source of food. Farmers markets have also been at the leading edge of educating consumers about where food comes from, and reinforcing AFT’s message of No Farms No Food. Here at AFT, we know it starts on your fork.”
“From our Chef-at-the-Market competition to our community programming, WFM tries to go above and beyond ensure all people have access to clean food grown by farmers they know by name,” said Mrs. Cochran-Dougall. “One of our original founders, Paul Newman, would be proud of AFT’s recognition!”
PHOTO: Chef Carlos Baez addresses judges and a crowd at one of WFM’s Chef-at-the-Market competitions this summer. Each month, three chefs were given 30 minutes to shop from farmers at the market and prepare a dish for judging, with only one advancing to the finals and recognition as Chef of the Market. The program is one of many sponsored by WFM that led to recognition by American Farmland Trust (AFT) as the 10th best farmers market in the country; 6th top market in the Northeast; and 3rd favorite market in Connecticut.
Westport Farmers’ Market is 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.
The Westport Farmers’ Market receives philanthropic support from: Aitoro, Boxcar Cantina; Cohen and Wolf; Club Pilates Westport; CTBites; Doc’s Maple; Earth Animal; Eileen Fisher; Farah’s Farm; Fleishers; Fresh Direct; Gault; Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center; Jesup Hall; Neat Capital; Newman’s Own Foundation; Saugatuck Rowing Club; Sugar & Olives; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Terrain; Wave Hill Breads; and Wells Hill Farm.
For more information, visit www.westportfarmersmarket.com, or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com. Find WFM on FB, Instagram, and Twitter @westportfarmersmarket.