How do you make sure the vendors are abiding by these guidelines? We have very strict guidelines (we’ve actually been told they are amongst the strictest in CT!) that our vendors must follow so we know customers are getting the highest quality, freshest local products possible and that our vendor community is supporting one another. Now think about a farmers’ market: you have a friendly face behind the booth, you can be confident that your dollar is staying within your community, and that you are getting REAL food that tastes good. Think about walking down a grocery store aisle: the cold shopping cart, no one engaging each other, piles of product with empty metal behind them… We offer a place where you can buy the finest homegrown, local produce & artisan foods, and where you have a chance to talk directly to the producer. And former Second Selectwoman, Shelly Kassen, had the vision, passion and skills to move the market to it’s current location and change it’s status to a non-profit entity. We couldn’t do it without the support of so many committed community members including Rebecca Howe who was instrumental in forming the market from the beginning and is now the Chairman of our nine person board. We are proud that the Westport Farmers’ Market is now an independent 501c3. They gave the seed money, the location, and continue to support our efforts. The Town of Westport was instrumental in starting the market, too. It was first opened by Paul Newman and chef Michel Nischan in 2006 with just 14 vendors, and now, almost 10 years later, that number has more than doubled. Tell us a little about the history of the market. I am so excited – actually humbled – to be part of the Westport Farmers’ Market. She taught me the importance of supporting the local community. My mom always loved farmers’ markets and good food and she instilled that same love in me. How’d you get started in all of this? Your commitment is commendable! We wanted to know why THISmarket is so unique among farmers’ markets. There are so many things to love about the Westport Farmers’ Market and with the summer market opening last Thursday we were lucky to snatch a little time with Lori Cochran Dougall, Market Director, so she could TELL US MORE about this thriving local shopping and dining experience.
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