The Vernon Farmers Market returns this week and will take place on four Thursdays, July 31, Aug. 7, 14 and 21, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Henry Park, 120 South St.
The Mayor Dan Champagne Summer Concert series follows the market at 6:30 p.m.
The Vernon Farmers Market features a variety of vendors offering everything from locally-sourced meats to fresh produce and baked goods. There will be food trucks too.
This is the second year of the revived Vernon Farmers Market, organized with the goal of enabling Vernon families to purchase fresh produce and other foods directly from the source.
“This market is a great opportunity for our residents and others to buy from the farmers who grow and raise the food we eat,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “This food is coming directly from the field to the farmers market to customers’ tables. That’s good for our community and for farmers.”
Vernon Social Services has programs to help some families’ dollars go further. The market accepts SNAP and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. People with SNAP can double their SNAP benefits up to $20. Also, Vernon Social Services has preloaded debit cards for people 60 and older who are income-eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Single people must have annual income of no more than $28,953. For two-person households, maximum annual income is $39,128.
For more information, call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661.
“Our goal with the Vernon Farmers Market is to make it as easy as possible for everyone in Vernon to be able to purchase fresh produce, fruits and other products,” Vernon Social Services Director Matt Hellman said. “That goal has guided our selection of vendors and our effort to make our residents aware of the SNAP and senior nutrition vouchers.”
People who don’t have cars or access to transportation can get a free ride to the Vernon Farmers Market via the Hockanum Valley Community Council. The Town of Vernon is using money from its successful crowdfunding campaign to help pay for rides to the market.
To obtain a ride, call the Hockanum Valley Community Council at 860-870-7940 by 4 p.m. on the day of the market.
“We are all about making sure our residents have access to the nutritious foods that will be available at the market,” Market Master Annie Geitner said.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers can be used at the Vernon Farmers Market, the Ellington Farmers Market and other authorized markets in the region.
For more information about the Vernon Farmers Market, visit: https://www.vernon-ct.gov/page/farmers-market