(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging consumers to explore the more than 110 farmers’ markets in Connecticut as states across the country prepare to celebrate National Farmers’ Markets Week, which runs from August 4-10, 2019.
There are 296 farmers in Connecticut who are certified to sell their locally grown products at farmers’ markets throughout the state. A list of every farmers’ market in Connecticut can be found by visiting www.CTGrown.gov/farmersmarkets.
The governor noted that in addition to supporting Connecticut Grown farm products, farmers’ markets play an important role in farmland preservation efforts, directly connect consumers with the hard-working farm families who produce the food they eat, and strengthen the relationship between urban, suburban, and rural communities.
“Connecticut is home to over a hundred farmers’ markets that offer our state’s residents a wide variety of affordable nutritious, locally-grown produce,” Governor Lamont said. “An asset to Connecticut’s agricultural economy, I encourage everyone to support their local farmers’ market and enjoy the best of what our state has to offer.”
Throughout National Farmers’ Market Week, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, many local markets have planned special events.
“With over a hundred farmers markets to visit and thousands of locally grown products to choose from, supporting your local farmers’ market is a smart and easy way to help sustain and grow Connecticut’s food economy and to ensure that seniors and low-income families continue to have access to healthy food sources,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “I look forward to traveling across Connecticut during National Famers’ Market Week and meet with farmers and shoppers while buying some delicious fruits and vegetables.”
Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt explained that as mid-summer approaches, Connecticut farmers are busy harvesting a wide array of fruits and vegetables that are nearing peak production. By purchasing directly from farmers, consumers can be assured that 100 percent of their dollars are going to their local producer, allowing them to build and grow a successful business, he said.
“Farmers’ markets are crucial to increasing access to fresh, healthy food in our communities that need it most,” Commissioner Hurlburt said. “They also provide opportunities for our new and beginning farmers to market their products while bridging the gap between consumers and producers of where our food comes from and how it’s produced.”
Millions of American families in low-income neighborhoods face a daily struggle to afford and access fresh fruits and vegetables. To assist in these efforts, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture administers the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which assists seniors over the age of 60 and women, infants, and children who meet certain eligibility guidelines with assistance to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey. Nearly 200 municipal and private senior services organizations enable the program to be available at over 350 distribution sites throughout Connecticut.
In addition, 35 farmers’ markets are authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, many of which offer doubling programs that allow recipients to purchase more fresh, local produce to keep their families healthy.