The Branford Community Foundation, the leader in supporting a variety of local philanthropic needs, programs and services for 35 years, provided $5,000 grant to the Branford Alps Farmers Market to help support the establishment and operation of a weekly Connecticut grown famers market. The grant specifically supports the start-up costs associated with accepting SNAP (food stamp) benefits and promotions.

Branford Alps Market, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, is the brainchild of Shoreline area residents and business owners Martha and Walter Maguire. Their personal interest in and passion for environmental issues, healthy cooking and healthy living led them to the creation of a marketplace designed to provide easy access to affordable, healthy Connecticut grown farm products for all area residents. Located under the “Big Top Tent” at 17 Alps Road in Branford, the Market is open every Thursday between June and October from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm and features seasonal offerings of fresh local produce, cheese, pasture raised beef, chicken and eggs, local craft vendors, live music and a farm-to-table food trucks. Branford Alps Market is officially authorized to accept SNAP (food stamp) benefits and will double all SNAP purchases at $15.00 per customer up to a maximum of $1,000 per market day, providing food assistance and a collaborative Federal/private subsidy directly to participating Market farmers. Education programs about healthy food choices, food sources and farming practices in Connecticut will also be made available to Market visitors.