Black Rock Farmers Market Kicks Off 4th Season, Saturdays in Bridgeport

The Black Rock Farmers' Market is back, Saturdays, June 10 -October 7th  9am to 1pm at 481 Brewster Street in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport CT. The season will kick off during Black Rock Day Weekend, an event that serves as a community initiative to promote projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and business in the area. 

BRFM is a producer-only market featuring locally farmed vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs (with a real life rooster), bread, meats, jams pickles and so much more. Their local artisan selection varies from vintage finds to natural beauty care products. Market visitors have the opportunity to start their day with a 10:30AM yoga class in the field and enjoy their weekly produce shopping accompanied by live local musicians. 

The market has grown from the support of a single farm four years ago to eight farms this season. The ever evolving market will include food demos using in-season produce, weekly exhibits from local artists featured on the Bridgeport Art Trail, live music every week from local musicians and unique vendors such as a Kombucha stand and weekly knife sharpening. 

Conscious decisions are made in selecting appropriate vendors and sponsors who share a similar mission of leading a healthy lifestyle and who support local business development. BRFM participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, to help individuals and families afford the cost of food at farmers’ markets. At BRFM, when you spend your SNAP, $1 = $2, encouraging the eligible families to eat fresh produce. 

BRFM has been supported by the hard work and dedication of two determined women, Karyn Leito and Michelle Margo, who had a vision and saw it through to what it is today. “What started out as a simple idea really evolved and touched so many, it was so beautiful to see all of the wonderful stories that go on within the market and the way it directly affected people in our community,” said Co-Founder Karyn Leito.

The success and continued growth of the community market has led to this year’s decision to transition and operate BRFM as a non-profit entity. With the support of the community, this change will allow the market to continue to grow and become sustainable. Interested in helping? You can contribute directly to the market’s operation and support it’s programming. Other opportunities include volunteering your time at a Saturday market or helping “behind the scenes” with marketing, fundraising, or bookkeeping.