Farmers + School + Community
Farmers School Community (FSC) engages with our local high school to participate in meal planning and preparation for those in need in our immediate community. The Westport Farmers’ Market facilitates and funds the Staples High School Culinary Arts students in preparing dinner with fresh ingredients sourced at the WFM for the Gillespie Center which houses Westport’s community kitchen for the Homes with Hope organization. We feed approximately forty economically disadvantaged men and women and work with 30 Culinary Club students.
The Advanced Culinary Arts students design the menu and prepare a shopping list for the farmers’ market thus learning how to shop locally. The students serve the meal gaining further exposure to the value of a home cooked meal. We often hear, “I have not tasted vegetables like that since my Mom.” This program teaches the culinary students the value of supporting local farmers, how to prepare a seasonal meal and that our neighbors in need also deserve a healthy and tasty meal.
Donated funds can be earmarked for FVC.
The program is funded through donations and grants.
Farmers + Vets + Community
Farmers Veterans Community (FVC) provides female veterans affiliated with Homes for the Brave the opportunity to learn how to prepare farm-fresh food through the guidance of WFM's vast chef network.
The veterans are educated about locally grown food, they work with an area chef to prepare a meal and then share the deliciousness of the local fare together around their table. The discussion of the local food scene, the health benefits of local food, a family's favorite recipe and job opportunities are among the topics discussed. This program creates a connection between veterans, farmers and the restaurant communities around healthful, local food. All ingredients are purchased from WFM farmers and producers.
Donated funds can be earmarked for FVC.
The program is funded through donations and grants.
Farmers + Kids + Community
The Farmers Kids Community (FKC) Program provides Bridgeport elementary school students local and seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious and healthy meals. Through this program, WFM will educate and feed up to 82 elementary school children and their families as they learn about the food growing in and around their communities.
Each month, WFM provides ingredients from this farmers' market to elementary school aged participants in the Cardinal Shehan Center’s after school program in Bridgeport.
The Cardinal Shehan Center is a non-profit organization in Bridgeport, Connecticut whose mission is to enrich lives through learning by offering a variety of programs and activities that address the educational, recreational, cultural, and social needs of moderate to low-income families and young people.
Donated funds can be earmarked for FKC.
The program is funded through donations and grants.