Westport Farmer's Market

"Farmers' markets are cool. They usually have fresh produce. Shopping there boosts local economies. It's hassle-free and homey. The Westport Farmers' Market is that - and much, much more. It's dynamic, constantly evolving, and a true community event. One element contributing to all that is programming. There are demonstrations, projects, and ongoing partnerships. One of the most creative and meaningful is called Farmers to Veterans to Community. The program gives military vets affiliated with Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport a chance to prepare farm-fresh food under the guidance of WFM's vast chef network. Through the Farmers' Market, veterans learn about the health benefits of local food - and job opportunities with area restaurants. It's a win-win-win - for vets, farmers and restaurateurs. Of course, it helps the entire community - and economy - too.  Homes for the Brave helps homeless men and women, and their families, attain housing and learn life skills. FVC began 2 months ago, with 6 women. Chef Jennifer Balin - a Westporter who owns Sugar & Olives, just over the Norwalk line - and chef Dan Sabia of Jesup Hall pioneered the program. They shop at the indoor farmers' market, then bring ingredients to the kitchen at the women's home. They demonstrate cooking techniques. Then, at dinner, they share recipes, and discuss life skills and employment opportunities. One job may already be in the works. More dinners are planned for February. Chefs Geoff Lazlo, Bill Taibe and Matt Storch, along with food blogger Liz Rueven, will participate. Westport Farmers' Market executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall is justly proud of her creative programming. But, she admits, Farmers to Veterans to Community is special."This puts to work - literally - our values of giving back to the community, by helping those who have given so much of themselves," she says. What a wonderful recipe for success!"   Thank you Dan Woog for sharing our story and a big shout out to Newman's Ownfor believing in this concept and providing the seed money to get it off the ground.  Do you love your dog? or maybe a friend's dog?  We have a special presentation this week from Paul's Custom Pet Food at 11:00.  They will launch our new series of vendor presentations this Saturday with: 7 Farmers' Market Foods You Can Share With Your Dog PLUS A Free Recipe! Lynn will present seven healthful human foods you can bring home from the market to enjoy yourself and to feed to your four-legged friend. Be sure to sign up for a free easy recipe PCPF will share that you can make at home.

Saturday's Vendor List: 1. Fort Hill Farm 2. Riverbank Farm 3. Sport Hill Farm  4. Beltane Farm 5. Oxhollow Farm 6. Aradia Farm  7. Two Guys from Woodbridge 8.  Arogya 9.  Wave Hill Breads 10. Boxcar Cantina 11. Raus Coffee 12. Simply Local 13. Local Catch  14. Huckleberry Pastries 15. Beaver Brook Sankow Farm 16. Paul's Custom Pet Food Rotating This Week: 17. EHSTO - prepared food 19. Calcutta Kitchen 20. Nit Noi Provisions 21. Healing Home Foods 22. Woodland Farm 23. Park City Honey  24. Cross Culture Kombucha 25. Farm Culture Ghee 26. Skinny Pines