Fairgate Farm to add amenities, thanks to $9,800 grant
STAMFORD — The AARP has awarded Stamford’s Fairgate Farm a $9,800 “Community Challenge” grant for the development of an ADA-compliant walkway through the farm.
The work will also include a bicycle rack, benches, picnic tables and elevated raised garden beds, which will provide a space to garden for people of all ages and abilities.
“This grant will allow us to expand our public, urban farm in Stamford, creating improved access to the Farmers Market and pergola, which serves as an outdoor classroom and community gathering space,” said Vincent Tufo, chief executive officer of Charter Oak Communities, a community partner of Fairgate Farm.
A thriving, volunteerpowered, organic urban farm, Fairgate Farm is part of the nationally recognized Vita Health & Wellness District.
In 2019, corporations, schools and residents logged in over 2,600 volunteer hours at Fairgate Farm. They helped to grow and harvest organic pro
duce that they may share with their families. The
balance of the produce is delivered to local homeless
shelters, food banks and soup kitchens.
It also runs an everexpanding composting initiative that diverted over 5 tons of food waste from local landfills.
Visitors to Fairgate Farm can enjoy cooking demos, gardening workshops, annual festivals and composting classes. It also hosts special events for corporate groups, schools, and civic organizations.
Its Farmers Market, which is open May to October, provides patrons an opportunity to purchase fresh produce at reduced prices.
Fairgate Farm, located at 129 Stillwater Ave. in the West Side neighborhood of Stamford, is among 184 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the AARP.
The AARP’s Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, smart cities, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.
For details about Fairgate Farm, contact Outreach Coordinator Heidi Andersen at FairgateFarm.com or email FairgateFarm@gmail.com.