News release from Downtown Special Services District:
The Downtown Farmers Market will begin its 2017 season on July 6 at McLevy Green and will be open every Thursday from 10:30am – 2:00pm until October 12. According to DSSD’s President Michael Moore, “The Bridgeport DSSD is proud to produce the Downtown Farmers Market at McLevy Green. Creativity takes many forms including food, music and performance art. The farmers market will serve to show-off this creativity while welcoming visitors from throughout Bridgeport.”
VENDORSShoppers can expect to find the following vendors every week, along with special appearances by others who will drop in on occasion.
Smith Acres Farm, Niantic, CT
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, South Glastonbury, CT
Cedar Hollow Farm, Southbury, CT
Groundwork Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT
A Pinch of Salt, Bridgeport, CT
Elegantly Casual Cuisine, Bridgeport, CT
Fortuna’s Catering Co., Bridgeport, CT
Granny’s Pie Factory, East Hartford, CT
La Signature Cheesecakes, Bridgeport, CT
Sweet Cupcasions, Milford, CT
203 Coffee & Tea, Milford, CT
Leisha’s Bakeria, Bridgeport, CT
Aradiant Skincare, Southbury, CT
OM Pajamas, Fairfield, CT
Essentially Handmade Aprons, Ansonia, CT
Art & Jewelry by Christopher BaxterLIVE MUSIC AND ART
In addition to live music, each week market will feature a demonstration by a local artist. The season kick off will include music by Grit Rhythm and include art and special demonstrations by Aisha Nailah, Robin Gilmore of Made In Bridgeport, and Iyaba Ibo Mandingo.
BRIDGEPORT BUCKS PROGRAM
In an effort to help Bridgeport residents and employees eat healthy and stay fit, DSSD has partnered with the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative to offer the BridgeportBucks Program. BridgeportBucks is a coupon that can be used to purchase fruit and vegetables at any one of the seven Bridgeport farmers markets. Businesses, community-based organizations and non-profit organizations may purchase BridgeportBucks as incentives or rewards to provide to clients, employees, or community groups. For more information or to purchase BridgeportBucks contact: bridgeportfarmersmarkets@gmail.com.
SNAP MATCHING PROGRAM
The Downtown Market accepts SNAP/EBT, WIC, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks (for WIC and Senior recipients), BridgeportBucks, cash, credit and debit. The market also operates a SNAP incentive program so that for every $1 in SNAP spent at the market, the customer can purchase $2 in fresh fruits and vegetables.
For more information about vendors, visit: www.infobridgeport.com/downtown-market. Follow the market on
Facebook at facebook.com/BptFarmersMarket.
It’s nice to see that the DSSD is actually doing something.
Yup it was 1987 I believe, we started this, myself and Dr Epstein from the Health Department at Baldwin Plaza. The committee made me the chair. It was supposed to go to Stratford Av but for some reason that fell through. Tisdale then said scuttle it but we persisted and brought many farmers Downtown and did a grand opening with Dept of Ag commissioner Anderson cutting the ribbon announcing the new program to use WIC food stamp coupons at farmers markets
Glad to see it had continued downtown for 30 years!