Farmers' Markets, Feeding Those in Need, and Free Eye Care

June 28, 2024

A local nonprofit that provides fresh food access is expanding its services once again this summer. Please read below to find out where you can get locally sourced food at a farmers’ market in your neighborhood.

I helped distribute food to those in need in Waterbury. Keep scrolling to see pictures of the hard-working individuals who made the event happen!

Dozens of people received free eye care and left with much-needed glasses. I’ll break down why this service is so vital in our community.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Farmers' Markets Coming to Your Neighborhood
  • Helping Feed Those in Need
  • Free Eye Care Service
 
Farmers' Markets Coming to Your Neighborhood
It was a pleasure to attend and take part in a community meeting to discuss all the amazing things happening at Brass City Harvest in the south end of Waterbury. The organization helps increase local food access, distribution, and consumption. It also seeks to find, retain, and nourish local food entrepreneurs to collectively build healthy, sustainable, and food-equitable communities.
Brass City Harvest’s state-of-the-art facility is located at 359 Mill Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. It’s open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. The organization is also out in the community with three farmers’ markets per week with Connecticut-grown produce. Each market accepts cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program debit cards.
Click here for the 2024 farmers’ market schedule
 
Helping Feed Those in Need
The community came together for a special pop-up food distribution in the south of Waterbury. We gave out bread, yogurt, grapes, and other food to those in need. It is always gratifying to support our most vulnerable in such a humane way.
I would like to thank Denise Martinez from NOW Inc for her leadership and community outreach as well as Bones of an Angel, CJR (Connecticut Junior Republic), and other local organizations for their help.
 
Free Eye Care Service

I was proud to help with a community drive providing free eye exams and glasses to those who need it most. VSP Vision Care hosted its Vision Eyes of Hope drive at All Saints Church on South Main Street in Waterbury. Those who cannot afford care for their vision received much-needed exams and most left with a free pair of glasses.

Our community believes eye care is essential yet too many people live with vision impairment. VSP’s Vision Eyes of Hope addresses barriers of income, distance, and disaster to provide equitable access to eye care. VSP has provided access to no-cost vision care to more than 3.8 million people in need.

Additionally, I want to give a shoutout to the eighth grade graduates of Brass City Charter School in Waterbury! These young scholars worked diligently and deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Congratulations to the class of 2024!