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Date: 7/22/2020
CHICOPEE – A group of Chicopee residents has started discussing how to improve access to healthy food for the residents of downtown Chicopee and projects that might qualify for current funding from state agencies.
Chicopee Center Food Force describes itself as “A new community initiative dedicated to increasing access to food for residents of Chicopee Center. Currently soliciting community input for a shared vision of a more equitable and sustainable food system in downtown Chicopee and beyond!”
Julie Copoulos, the executive director of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, led the discussion on ZOOM on July 15. Participating in the discussion were Melanie Wilk, the director of food service for the Chicopee Public Schools; Greta Scwachman, the Farm to School Program coordinator for the public schools; Jennifer Kinsman of the United Way of the Pioneer Valley; Patrick McKenna of the city’s Planning Department; Anna Gancarz of the Chicopee Public Library; educator Charles Laboy; and downtown resident and gardener Karen Hansmann, among others.
According to a 2017 study, The Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) noted “that 2.8 million people living in low income areas in Massachusetts lack access to grocery stores, including more than 700,000 children and 523,000 older adults. Many of these same communities are struggling economically and lack job opportunities for local residents. The MFTP offers debt capital at lower than market rate interest and can make riskier investments, filling a financing gap in low-and moderate-income communities. Research shows that access to grocery stores is linked to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases.”
Of the top 10 communities with the greatest issues concerning “the grocery gap” and access to food, Springfield is second and Chicopee is 10th.
Copoulos explained through several state programs, there is funding for food access projects. She said there is currently “an incredible opportunity in Massachusetts” besides the MFTP, there is funding from PVGrows Investment Fund.
According to its website, The MFTP has funded projects ranging from Wellspring Harvest in Springfield which is a hydroponic greenhouse to food co-ops and commercial grocery stores. PVGrows Investment Fund provide loans to “all types of farm and food businesses including farms, restaurants, retailers, processors, and wholesalers
Copoulos said to the group, “Food helps builds an amazing community.”
Ideas generated by the group included looking at an urban farming program such as Gardening in the Community in Springfield. Another person suggested establishing a center where food and cultures can be shared. A seasonal farmers market in downtown was suggested, as well as looking to establish a permanent market. A mobile farmers market that could bring food into a neighborhood was another idea. Helping residents establish their own raised bed or box gardening was discussed. An emergency food pantry for downtown was also suggested. A diner style restaurant that could be marketed to younger people was offered.
The group also noted such efforts should employ Chicopee residents and should involve the city’s youth.
The group has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChicopeeFoodForce.