The Danbury Farmers’ Market Opens June 22 and Runs Thorugh Oct 19, 2024
This month’s column features the Danbury Farmers’ Market, which goes beyond a typical farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are important as they both support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of the food we eat.
The Danbury market is headed by Peggy Zamore, RD, MPH, CD-N, with the support of many volunteers and organizations from the area.
Where & When is the Market Held?
It runs every Saturday from
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
at CityCenter Danbury Green
1 Ives St.
Two-hour complimentary parking is available at the Patriot Garage.
This year the market will start on June 22nd and end on October 19th. Rain does not cancel this market. If it is raining, you will find the market on the 4th floor of the Patriot Garage.
When:
This summer – June 22 – Oct 19, 2024
Every Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM
Where:
CityCenter Danbury Green
1 Ives St.
Danbury, CT
Rain Location:
Patriot Garage (4th Floor)
21 Delay St
2 Hour Complimentary Parking
About the Danbury Farmers’ Market
The farmers’ market was started in 2009 and has lasted because of generous grants from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and End Hunger CT. The mission is to provide equitable affordable access to local fresh food to the Danbury community. In Danbury about 10.9% of the population and in Ridgefield around 200 individuals do not have access to enough food because of lack of money, transportation, or other issues. In Connecticut, 7.2% of senior citizens are considered food insecure. People with less money tend to buy fewer fruits and vegetables. Food insecurity and the inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables are closely associated with obesity and poor nutrition at all ages, factors that can lead to chronic disease.
What can you buy at the market?
Seasonal Produce
A huge variety of seasonal produce such as strawberries, asparagus, and sugar-snap peas.
Baked Goods
Baked goods like empanadas, breads, and pastries.
Specialty Products
Specialty garlic and garlic products, fresh roasted coffee beans, crafts, and indoor and outdoor plants are also available.
More than Food!
Live Music – Community Programs – Health Screenings
Flu vaccines; yoga; health screenings for such things as blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose and other issues; a chance to speak to representatives from organizations like Friends of the Library, YMCA, Office of the State Comptroller, Connecticut Institute for Communities Health Outreach, and Apex Community Care; and weekly live music. There are also special focus days with June 29th being a Climate Smart Day in conjunction with UCONN Extension.
Making Fresh Produce Affordable To Everyone
Danbury Farmers’ Market accepts EBT/SNAP cards which are then matched by End Hunger CT, doubling their value. Veterans can get Fruit and Veggie Health Certificates. SNAP and FMNP shoppers can get laundromat cards, and CT AG Senior FMNP cards are available. Participation in health screenings, nutrition programs, cooking classes and flu clinics give individuals various dollar amounts of certificates for use in the market. HART issues a limited number of free bus passes. Debit and credit cards are accepted.
Go to www.danburyfarmersmarket.org for more information or to get recipes, sign up for email notifications, check the calendar and donate to support the market.
