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The Westport Farmers Market put out a call to the community Monday morning, asking people to support the markets efforts to combat hunger in Fairfield County. The farmers market is working in conjunction with the Connecticut Food Banks fresh food campaign. Whats unique about their combined efforts is that, in addition to asking people to shop their pantries for non-perishables, market leaders are also encouraging people to donate fresh produce available at the market.Just think how far $20 can go, Westport Farmers Market Director Lori Cochran-Dougall wrote in an email Monday morning.
Why the local focus? In addition to the markets sustained focus on shopping and sourcing local foods, and on top of the market's ongoing work with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Cochran-Dougall also points out that, while Connecticut has the highest per capita income in the U.S., nearly 400,000 people in the state are at risk of hunger every year. These people include children, working parents, people with disabilities and seniors.
The Westport Farmers Market is the first in Fairfield County to support the food banks campaign with a food drive. The collected food will benefit the food banks efforts to feed the countys hungry with fresh, healthy food.
Every extra tomato, squash or watermelon can go a long way to help feed those who dont have enough to eat every day, said Nancy L. Carrington, Connecticut Food Banks President & CEO.
You can do your part at the Westport Farmers Market in the Imperial Ave. parking lot, this Thursday, Oct. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Not a Westport Farmers Market shopper? Then contact your local farmers market and encourage the people in charge to get on board with the food banks campaign. Youll give new meaning to the phrase eat local.
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