Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/7/2023
BELCHERTOWN — Belchertown Farmers Market will be returning to the Belchertown Common starting on Sunday, June 11.
The Farmers Market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to Market Board President Joyce Douthwright, this farmer’s market has been around for at least 25-30 years and that every year the market grows more and more popular.
Douthwright said, “People have a regular very local following that they rely on specific vendors to be there on a specific basis. Some of them make a beeline straight for them. We also have such a loyal following that come week after week after week supporting all the local vendors that are there.”
There are a minimum of 14 vendors every Sunday with other vendors who make guest appearances either once or twice a month.
Some 2023 vendors include Auntie Elsie’s Weekend Bake Shop, Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Shattuck’s Sugarhouse, Sir Barks-a-lot, Rubee Ranch Farm and more.
Douthwright said she is looking into adding music and other events for kids to bring in more families and make it a bigger event on the common.
“We are always looking for ways to reach out to the community especially to our residents here who may be struggling for finding fresh fruits and vegetables that are local to them,” Douthwright added.
Douthwright said even though the event has vendors set up to purchase items, she loves the community aspect of the farmers market.
She said the event has picnic tables set up and some vendors who barbeque food and make popcorn so that families and the community can gather and enjoy a good time.
“We love connecting with our customers and just the community in general weather they are buying from us or not. It is fun to get out and talk to different people and hear their perspective on things that are happening in the community. Everyone has a lovely experience coming to the market. It is a very community based event,” Douthwright added.
Most of the vendors are local businesses from Belchertown which is not only great for the community but for the individual vendors as well.
Douthwright said, “It really helps to get the word out. There are all these local businesses right in this small community. That is where we generate our income right in this little town so it is a very locally sourced product and local businesses. Having the community support the local businesses is huge.”
The farmers market also accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Healthy Initiative Program benefits for those who are eligible for it.
Douthwright said, “We are trying to reach out more to our elderly population or people who are really struggling to put fresh fruit and veggies on the table for their families.”
SNAP used to be called food stamps and is an EBT card available for purchasing fruits and vegetables.
HIP is an extension of the SNAP benefits and depending on the size of the household, you could get an additional amount of money added to your card to use on fruits and vegetables.
Those interested can visit belchertownfarmersmarket.weebly.com for more information and a full list of vendors.