Revival Of Vernon Farmers Market Using Creative Fundraising Approach

VERNON, CT — A movement to revive the farmers market in Vernon is taking on a unique fundraising approach — a matching state grant coupled with community support.

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro Wednesday called it an extension of Vernon's Sustainable Connecticut endeavors. The town already has silver status and is striving to achieve the newly created gold classification.

The Vernon Town Council has approved bringing back a farmers market in concept. Trouble is, there are no funds for it in the town's operating budget, Purcaro said.

"The town of Vernon is seeking your help in bringing a farmers market back to town," municipal officials said in a note to the community. "The market aims to bring farm-to-table practices to the local community by establishing a farmer's market. The goal of this initiative is to improve equitable access to fresh and nutritious food, promote healthy living, and create a sustainable food system that benefits people of all ages regardless of their socioeconomic status. We need our community's help raising funds in order to pay our vendors, offer transportation, and delivery a top-notch farmers market."

The plan is to raise funds through a matching Sustainable Connecticut grant program, Purcaro said.

A donation site has been set up via the web portal Patronicity. Sustainable Connecticut funds will match donations sent in by members of the community, according to the plan.

As of Wednesday morning, a total of five pledges totaled $245. The goal is to raise $7,500 over the next 51 days.

Discussions on where the market would be located are ongoing, Purcaro said. The idea is to place it in a location convenient to all modes of transportation, most likely in Downtown Rockville, he said.

Click here for a fundraising overview.