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How a Bounty of ‘Bridgeport Bucks’ Addresses Food Insecurity in Fairfield County

December 02, 2021

The United Way of Coastal Fairfield Country helped to make this season a bountiful one for St. Vincent Medical Center’s annual Farm Stand.

Locally Grown Nutrition for Our Neighbors

Established in 2009, the Farm Stand is part of a unique partnership of seven independent farmers’ markets, serving fresh fruits and vegetables to Bridgeport residents in neighborhoods throughout the city. The goal is to ensure Bridgeport residents have access to fresh, healthy, locally grown foods and to support local businesses. The Farm Stand, located in front of the Medical Center, is typically open every Tuesday from July through October.

A Grant of Goodness

In July, St. Vincent’s received $15,000 in grant funding from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County to support “Bridgeport Bucks,” $5 coupons that can be used at any of the seven local markets. This grant enabled St. Vincent’s to extend the distribution of the Bridgeport Bucks program and the 2021 Farm Stand season through the end of November.

“The United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has had a long-standing history of collaboration with St. Vincent’s and the city of Bridgeport,” said Michelle Litt, Director of Impact Philanthropy for United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. “Of the 60 applicants for this grant, only 11 could receive it. That speaks to the quality of the program and the positive impact St. Vincent’s has on the community.”

United in Addressing Food Insecurity

“The problems that exist in our community are too big for one non-profit to tackle successfully,” said Litt. “We are committed to fighting food insecurity with partners like St. Vincent’s, providing not only food – but healthy food to people who are hungry in Fairfield County. The Bridgeport Bucks program addresses that need.”

“The United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has always been one of our strongest community partners,” said Anthony Cernera, Director of Philanthropy at Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent’s Medical Center. “Our combined efforts, investing in the health and wellness of Bridgeport, continues to provide great benefit to our neighbors who need it most. This generous grant is just another example of the important work they are supporting, day in and day out, and we couldn’t be more grateful to be one of the many programs they fund to address food insecurity and health.”

The Bucks Don’t Stop Here

The Bridgeport Bucks coupons were distributed to departments at the Medical Center and Hartford HealthCare Medical Group sites throughout Bridgeport, and to other local partners, to be presented to patients and colleagues who may need assistance finding or buying fresh fruits and vegetables.

While the 2021 Farm Stand season has now come to a close, planning, preparation and “planting the seeds” for the next season has already begun.