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Date: 2/16/2022
CHICOPEE – As a platform for fresh, local produce and community vendors, Center Fresh Chicopee is gearing up for a 2022 return.
Center Fresh Chicopee debuted in the summer of 2021 and ran throughout the year. During the warmer months, the marketplace served as a fixture right outside of City Hall and the old Chicopee Public Library space at 31 Springfield St. before moving to the Ames Privilege apartment complex at 1 Springfield St. until mid-December.
Executive Director of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Julie Copoulos shared that the idea for a community marketplace organically originated with locals of the Chicopee Center. “The idea came from a group of residents and businesses in the Chicopee Center area. They were making a call for more food options and more regular lively activity in the center,” said Copoulos in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Copoulos said the city provided funding for the project while the Chamber of Commerce gathered entertainment from some of their sponsors. Along with providing a fresh source of activity in Chicopee Center, the chamber director also stressed the project’s importance as a means of combating food insecurity across the city. “We asked ourselves ‘how can we tackle the community’s request while also tackling this big issue of food insecurity,’” said Copoulos.
Center Fresh Chicopee’s first year marked a successful debut, with the marketplace establishing a loyal customer base and developing partnerships with community endeavors, according to Copoulos. The marketplace also offered equitable access through a $10 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) match funded by Theory Wellness.
“We were able to make our first year as successful as a first year can be. Going into 2022, we’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going and growing it. Like any business, you have to invest a little bit of time to build up your consumer base,” said Copoulos.
Copoulos also noted that the market endured a smooth transition from its outdoor space to Ames Privilege. The location helped Center Fresh Chicopee assists an area deprived of food resources while helping the marketplace expand it’s reach. “We were able to bring food to an area that really needed another option for fresh produce and we were also able to expand our client base,” said Copoulos.
The chamber executive director also highlighted the marketplace’s focus on community feedback. The marketplace will be hosting a community forum on Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. to discuss the upcoming season. Readers interested in participating can reach out to Center Fresh’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/centerfreshchicopee.
With Center Fresh Chicopee’s 2022 return, Copoulos highlighted several changes in development for the farmer’s market. She shared that a greater focus on capturing the lunch crowd through new food offerings and an earlier 11 a.m. opening time will be key ingredients to the market’s second year.
Readers can learn more about Center Fresh Chicopee and updates on their opening at https://www.facebook.com/centerfreshchicopee.