“We’re working hard in Bridgeport to ensure our families have access to high quality foods. Our six farmer’s markets are an important step in this effort, providing fresh, healthy options and allowing us to support local businesses at the same time. I encourage everyone to visit one of our farmers markets this season.” – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
Bridgeport, Conn. (July 9, 2015) – This week, four more markets serving fresh fruits and vegetables to Bridgeport residents are open in neighborhoods throughout the Park City. These markets are a part of the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative, a unique partnership of six independent farmers markets.
“We’re working hard in Bridgeport to ensure our families have access to high quality foods. Our six farmer’s markets are an important step in this effort, providing fresh, healthy options and allowing us to support local businesses at the same time,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our farmers markets this season.”
From June 20 to October 31, Bridgeport’s farmers markets will be operating across the city, providing fresh, locally grown products to residents, the workforce, and visitors. Markets opening this week are located in the North End at St. Vincent’s Medical Center (2800 Main Street), the East Side at Bridgeport’s Health Department (752 East Main Street), Downtown at McLevy Green (Intersection of Main Street and Bank Street), and the East End at 985 Stratford Avenue.
Bridgeport’s farmers market season kicked off earlier this summer with the grand opening of the Black Rock Farmer’s Market. Next week, the South End Market at 877 Park Avenue will open on Wednesday, July 15.
Each market is hosted by a different neighborhood, allowing all of the city’s residents access to high quality food options right near their homes. With all six markets open, the community will be able to visit a farmer’s market five days out of the week.
Bridgeport Farmer’s Markets (All markets will accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, Senior & Veteran FMNP and CVV checks):
- EAST END MARKET 985 Stratford Avenue—July 12-October 25, Sundays 11-3.
- ST. VINCENT FARM STAND 2800 Main Street—July 7-October 27, Tuesdays 12-4.
- EAST SIDE MARKET 752 East Main Street –July 8-October 28, Wednesdays 10-2.
- SOUTH END MARKET 877 Park Avenue—July 15-October 28, Wednesdays 3:30-6:30.
- DOWNTOWN MARKET McLevy Green –July 9-October 29, Thursdays 10-2.
- BLACK ROCK MARKET 481 Brewster Street –June 20-October 17, Saturdays 9-1.
"With the help of committed partners, Bridgeport is home to six farmers markets. I encourage residents to visit each Bridgeport market, as they all offer a different community feel,” said Health Director, Kristin duBay Horton.
Bridgeport’s farmers markets were initiated in conjunction with Mayor Finch’s BGreen2020 sustainability initiative. Along with providing healthy food options, farmers markets also help reduce green house gas emissions and fight climate change as they greatly decrease the distance needed to transport the products to consumers.
“In Bridgeport, we’re making smart investments in the future. This includes creating green jobs, investing in clean energy production, and creating transit-oriented developments – all of which will ensure our kids breathe cleaner air,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
Livibility.com recently ranked Bridgeport the fifth healthiest city in the country, with access to farmers markets being among the criteria for the website’s rankings.