Downtown Farmers Market Returns Thursday

From The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District

The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to announce the return of the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market. The Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market will begin its 2022 season on Thursday, July 7 at McLevy Green and will be open every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. until October 27, 2022.

The Bridgeport DSSD will kick off the 2022 Downtown Farmers Market season in McLevy Green with a live cooking demonstration by Chef Raquel Rivera of A Pinch of Salt, live music from dynamic duo Simone Mone and Robbie Day, and delicious and hand-crafted offerings from our local vendors. The market will feature live music each week and periodic cooking demonstrations, in addition to a range of fresh veggies and delectable lunch options.

According to DSSD’s President + CEO Lauren Coakley Vincent, “The Bridgeport DSSD is proud to host the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market at McLevy Green. We are looking forward to bringing back all of our favorite vendors, local farmers, talented Bridgeport musicians, and more to showcase their creativity while welcoming visitors from throughout city. Our wonderful local vendors will be there to serve the best of what Connecticut has to offer.”

VENDORS
Shoppers can expect to find the following vendors every week, along with special appearances by others who will drop in on occasion.

Killam & Bassette Farmstead, South Glastonbury, CT
Smith’s Acres Farm, Niantic, CT
Blissful Awakening’s Urban Regenerative Farm, Bridgeport, CT
Betzy’s Latin Flavors, Bridgeport, CT
Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport, CT
Groundwork Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT
Natural Juices, Bridgeport, CT
Parker’s Pampering, Bridgeport, CT
Rico Suave Accessories, Bridgeport, CT

Special guests depending on the week will include Café Rebelde Coffees and Teas (Woodbridge, CT), Elegantly Casual Cuisine (Bridgeport, CT), Greater Bridgeport Transit with CTRides, and the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative (Bridgeport, CT).

BRIDGEPORT BUCKS PROGRAM
In an effort to make healthy food more accessible to Bridgeport residents, the DSSD has partnered with the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative to offer the Bridgeport Bucks Program. Bridgeport Bucks is a coupon that can be used to purchase fruit and vegetables at any one of the Bridgeport farmers markets. Businesses, community-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations may purchase Bridgeport Bucks as incentives or rewards to provide to clients, employees, or community groups. For more information or to purchase Bridgeport Bucks, visit the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative website: https://bridgeportfarmersmarkets.org/.

SNAP MATCHING PROGRAM
The DSSD has also partnered with the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative to accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks (for WIC and Senior recipients), and Bridgeport Bucks along with cash, credit, and debit at the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market. The market operates an incentive matching program so that for every $1 in SNAP, WIC, or Senior FMNP funds spent at the market, the customer can purchase $2 in fresh fruits and vegetables.

*Note: All customers will be encouraged to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet apart while shopping at the market. Masks and hand sanitizing stations will be made available for those who wish to use them.