Danbury Farmers Market Expands Operation With Anonymous $45K Grant

**News Release Submitted by The Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative**

June 22, 2023

The Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC) kicks off its annual season on June 24, offering more scheduled health screenings and food programs this summer with support from an anonymous local donor.

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, one of the collaborative’s community partners, delivered the $45,000 grant from the unnamed benefactor who annually supports the Farmers’ Market mission to expand access to healthy food options.

The grant helps lower the cost for seniors, veterans, women, children and SNAP recipients to purchase fresh food at the market.

Striving to provide equitable access to fresh food for all Danbury area residents and promote health and nutrition, the collaborative consists of more than 30 community stakeholders who work together so individuals and families with limited resources can purchase fresh local food at the Danbury Farmers’ Market, while also enhancing the overall market experience.

“Access to fresh and healthy food is a cornerstone for fostering better health,” said Peggy Zamore, a nutritionist and coordinator of the market programs, which is managed by CityCenter Danbury. “Obesity, poor nutrition and underlying factors in most chronic diseases are strongly associated with the inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, and those with limited resources tend to purchase less fruits and vegetables. Through the generous support of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s anonymous donor, the DFMCC continues to attack disparities in food purchasing power.”

The unnamed donor is a longtime supporter of the Farmers Market — contributing more than $399,000 to support its program over the past 12 years. The latest grant comes in time for the start of the new season for The Danbury Farmers’ Market, which runs every Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, from June 24 to Oct. 28 on the Danbury CityCenter Green.

With the latest grant, this year’s Farmer’s Market will:

• Accept and match Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• Match state Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program cards for low-income seniors and recipients of The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• Provide Market Fruit & Veggie market cash incentives for seniors and veterans.
• Offer Virtual Nutrition, Health & Fitness information on YouTube.
• RVNAhealth will provide scheduled screenings, such as diabetes, blood pressure and anemia.

The collaborative is also enhancing its mission this year through its newest community partner, Food Rescue U.S., that will collect unsold fresh vendor-donated food each week that would otherwise go to compost or the county waste stream, and deliver it to a local affordable housing community.

“Communities affected by poor access to basic needs, such as food or housing, often experience poor health outcomes related to nutrition and environmental determinants,” said Mendi Blue Paca, CEO and president of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. “The Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative is working to remove these barriers to healthier communities and address the inequities in food purchasing power so that all residents can have better food for better health.”