Westport Farmers’ Market (WFM) has announced that the organization is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the esteemed Newman’s Own Foundation. The grant funding, which the WFM also received last year, supports its commitment to Homes for the Brave’s Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes program, located in Bridgeport. 

The Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes Program is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for homeless female veterans and their young children. Through this generous grant funding, homeless female veterans will continue to work with this local farmers’ market that facilitates and funds chefs and ingredients from the WFM community. Together they prepare, cook and serve a meal. Several of the participants have secured employment directly from working with local chefs and the WFM.

According to Lori Cochran-Dougall, Director of the WFM, the grant is especially poignant as Paul Newman, a former Westport resident, was one of the market’s founders in 2006. “Paul Newman brought life to the market we know and love today,” she said. “I am proud that we are able to carry on his vision and help WFM, its farmers and beneficiaries, including Homes for the Brave, to thrive. This award is close to my heart as it allows us to be able to continue to serve those who have served our country, and that, in and of itself, is a privilege.”

WFM is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food to area residents. Its mission is to increase awareness, knowledge and support for local producers who are focused on sustainable and healthy growing practices while aspiring to create a fun, safe and healthy community environment for education and socialization.

For more information, visit WestportFarmersMarket.com, NewmansOwnFoundation.org and HomesForTheBrave.org.