The Danbury Farmers Market season is winding down, but local families now have an extra Saturday to shop for fresh Connecticut-grown food and take advantage of programs that can make their food dollars go further.

The market, originally scheduled to end on October 17, has added Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CityCenter Green in downtown Danbury. The remaining Saturday markets are October 10, 17 and 24.

Even as the market winds down, shoppers can still find seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh products, baked goods and other items from local farmers, food producers, and vendors. Live music and Kids' Corner activities are also part of the Saturday market.

For families using SNAP/EBT, one of the biggest updates is the opportunity to double their purchasing power. The market will match any amount of SNAP/EBT benefits a shopper chooses to spend at each market. Shoppers can bring their EBT card to the market and ask staff for assistance.

SNAP shoppers can also participate in the Frequent Shopper Program. Each time they spend $5 in SNAP benefits, they receive one punch on a loyalty card. After five punches, they receive a $10 bonus in market produce coins to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Additional help is available for WIC and senior shoppers. The market matches WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits up to $9 at each market. Seniors may also receive $10 market gift certificates through market nutrition programs and at some community locations.

Military veterans can receive $10 in market produce certificates by showing a valid veteran ID. The benefit is available while funding lasts.

The Farmers Market will also make its final visit of the season to the Danbury Senior Center, 10 Elmwood Place, on Wednesday, October 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. The pop-up market is open to everyone and offers fresh, locally grown produce and farm products from Clatter Valley Farm.

The market continues to offer free two-hour parking at the Patriot Garage. Shoppers should have their license plate number and get the parking code at the garage kiosk. Market staff can provide assistance if needed.

For families trying to stretch their grocery budgets, these final weeks are an opportunity to use available benefits before the season ends, bringing home fresh, locally grown food. They are also a chance for the community to enjoy a few more Saturday mornings downtown and support the Connecticut farmers and small businesses that make the market possible.

The Danbury Farmers Market is held at the CityCenter Green from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The final market is scheduled for October 24.

For current schedules, benefit information, and updates, visit the Danbury Farmers Market website at https://danburyfarmersmarket.org/.