Bill Heffernan

As part of National Farmers Market Week, we encourage you to visit your local farmers' market to pick up and enjoy locally grown food.

This year marks the 26^th National Farmers Market Week, which runs from August 3 through August 9, but you can visit the over 100 farmers’ markets throughout Connecticut anytime to purchase healthy delicious locally grown products – look for the "Connecticut Grown" logo.

Buying from your local farmers’ market is not only a healthy choice, but a great way to support Connecticut farmers and the thousands of jobs they create that helps boost our economy.

Here's a comprehensive list of farmers’ market in the state.

In addition, many of the markets participate in food assistance programs to help those in need, including:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Many markets accept SNAP, and offer SNAP-doubling programs, allowing recipients to stretch their food dollars and purchase twice as much eligible product.
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Eligible WIC participants and seniors can receive additional benefits to purchase fruits, vegetables, eggs, herbs, and honey at certified farmers’ markets.

Many markets are celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week with special events such as cooking demonstrations, kid friendly activities, and music. So, stop by your local farmers market and thank a farmer!

Don't forget to look for the "Connecticut Grown" logo which helps you easily identify products that are from Connecticut. Remember, no farms, no food!

Connecticut has about 5,000 working farms on 372,000 acres of land supporting over 30,000 jobs. For more information on farmers' markets and the state's agriculture industry visit ctgrown.gov