Danbury Farmers’ Market Opens Friday

Confirmed to be at the market this year:

Beldotti’s Bakery (Stamford, CT)  – bread

Better Snacks (New Canaan, CT)

Clatter Valley Farm (New Milford, CT) – produce

Green Leaf Organic Bakery & Cafe (Wilton, CT) – breads, muffins, donuts

Geremia Gardens (Southington, CT) – produce

Hill Spring’s Farm (Woodbury, CT) – vermiculture, produce

Killiam & Bassette Farmstead (South Glastonbury, CT) – produce

New Milford Youth Agency (New Milford, CT) – syrup, honey

Pepe’s Cream of the Crop (Stratford, CT) – hard shell clams

Sandy Wityak (Danbury, CT) – produce

Seven Stone Farm (Gaylordsville, CT) – estevia, herbs, microgreens, eegs

Smith’s Acres (Niantic, CT) – produce

Whimsical Olive Branch (Watertown, CT) – olive oils, flavored vinegars, pestos, seasonings

Trendsetter Gems – handmade soaps, perfumes, lotions, jewelry

Roses for Autism – CT roses grown and sold by an integrated community of adults with autism

Danbury Farmers Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) – healthy eating information

Community Energy – State of CT Clean Energy Program information

CIFC Greater Danbury Health Center – SNAP Assistance and information

Big Brother Big Sister of Southwestern CT – SAVERS collection

As part of the DFMCC “Better Health Through Better Food” initiative, a Wellness van will be on site on opening day, and a UConn SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Education Nutritionist will be there each Friday to introduce visitors to the ChooseMyPlate 10 Tips Nutrition Education series. HARTransit provides return bus passes for program participants to access the market. Thanks to grants from the Fairfield County Community Foundation and programs like SNAP and The Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the DFMCC can offer those considered “nutritionally at-risk” with up to an additional $9 per market day towards purchases.

Peggy Zamore, CDN, MPH, DFMCC Director and public health nutritionist, says the “Better Health through Better Food” project addresses food inequality and significant concern about health issues associated with diabetes, heart disease and childhood obesity. “A nutritionist can teach about the right foods to eat for health, but without the resources to buy those healthy choices, many people cannot afford to change the way they eat. This program provides those resources, by giving people extra money to purchase the fresh fruits and vegetables they like and need to eat, but cannot typically afford. Our program, by giving an additional $9 per market, will, over the course of the season, have a very positive health impact.”

Hope to see you at the market!