Farmers Market to Open at STCC on July 8

SPRINGFIELD — Fresh, local, affordable produce will soon be available to the community through a new farmers market set to open on the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) campus green July 8. The market will run every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. through Oct. 28.

The farmers market will offer customers the opportunity to buy fresh and local produce at a reasonable price from locally owned farms. Cash, credit, debit, SNAP, WIC, and Elder coupons will be accepted by all participating vendors.

STCC Director of Access and Student Success Roosevelt Charles said he’s excited the college has joined forces with community organizations in order to make the farmers market a reality on the STCC campus.

“For some time, we have been looking at additional ways to serve students more holistically and collaboratively, and having an on-site market is an example of looking at the academic challenges of students through a different lens,” said Charles. “We’ve identified a need and sought out partners who share this understanding that students are able to increase their chances of being successful when they have control of both their personal and academic environments.”

Community partners that have helped make the STCC farmers market possible include Concerned Citizens of Mason Square, Go Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market, Gardening the Community, Partners for a Healthier Community, and Live Well Springfield.

“Live Well Springfield and the Just Foods movement are excited to have STCC join a network of community organizations working together to increase access to fresh, local, affordable fruits and vegetables in Springfield,” said Kathy Wicks, Community Health Projects manager for Partners for a Healthier Community.

General parking, free of charge, will be available on the STCC campus for customers of the farmers market. For additional information, call Charles at (413) 755-4088.