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Date: 7/13/2022
CHICOPEE – The Chicopee Farmers’ Market debuted on July 6 ahead of their busy summer schedule. The market runs weekly on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Chicopee Street under the Route 391 overpass and will operate until Sept. 14.
Sponsored by the Valley Opportunity Council (VOC), The Chicopee Farmers’ Market is celebrating over 20 years of service. The marketplace draws over 2,500 visitors each summer and spotlights a plethora of local vendors, according to VOC’s press release. Some of the vendors include producers of fresh produce, like Sweet City Maple, as well as local organizations, such as the Chicopee Veterans Services office.
Along with the market’s weekly offerings, the VOC plans several marquee events throughout the season. Special celebrations include Christmas in July on July 27, Back to School celebration on Aug. 24 and Corn Fest on Aug. 31. Each week also highlights different themed music days and entertainment offerings.
The July 6 gathering included the Chicopee Public Library’s book mobile, Genaro’s Farm, Guavate’s Farm, Summit Farm Vegetables, an information booth about the VOC’s energy assistance programs and a variety of other local vendors.
VOC Administrative Assistant Myrna Martinez explained that the marketplace places an emphasis on providing accessible and healthy offerings to customers. The VOC allows customers to utilize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and provides a variety of coupons for local residents. The SNAP offerings are also a part of the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which gifts extra funds to customers purchasing for HIP farm vendors.
Martinez envisions continual growth for the marketplace. After providing 150 free backpacks during last year’s Back to School event, Martinez said the VOC plans to distribute backpacks and supplies to 250 students.
“It turned out great last year, so we are hoping it can be even better this year,” said Martinez in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
VOC Manager of the Chicopee Farmers’ Market Milagros Claudio said the organization worked to expand their outreach to community vendors and organizations this year. She expressed that the July 6 market featured a good turnout, but expects the next few weeks to feature the inclusion of additional vendors.
Along with the Chicopee Farmers’ Market, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce continues to host Center Fresh Chicopee on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The weekly marketplace takes place right in front of City Hall in Chicopee Center.
Readers interested in learning more about Chicopee Farmers Market can visit https://www.facebook.com/ValleyOpportunityCouncil.