Farmers market at STCC gearing up for its 2nd year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A farmers market is taking root at Springfield Technical Community College.
For the second year in a row, a farmers market at STCC will be open on the campus green on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., starting Aug. 17 and ending Oct. 26. STCC has joined forces with community organizations to provide area residents with an opportunity to buy fresh, affordable produce grown close to home.
In a festive atmosphere featuring music and a food truck, the market will offer fruits and vegetables from locally owned farms. Vendors will sell their produce at affordable prices. They will accept cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, WIC and Elder coupons.
STCC is collaborating with Live Well Springfield, the Go Fresh Mobile Market, City Soul Market, a project of the Springfield Food Policy Council, and Gardening the Community.
WTCC, 90.7 FM, will broadcast live on opening day, Aug. 17.
Farmers Market Manager Tammy T. Ryan said she’s “very excited” about this year’s market, which will offer much more than just fresh produce.
“This year's market is even better than before. We welcome everyone from Springfield to come check out the STCC market,” Ryan said. “Not only will we have local vegetables and fruit, we will also have jewelry, beauty products, a Korean food truck, music and more.”
With the support of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), the farmers market will be able to match all EBT transactions, Ryan said. For every dollar customers spend from their EBT card, they get $2 to spend at the market, up to $10.
“We want good food to be accessible to all," Ryan said.
The Wednesday market on the campus green is a project that is connected and sustainable for the community, said Kathy Wicks, community health projects manager for Partners for a Healthier Community.
“Live Well Springfield, a citywide movement promoting eating healthy and moving more, is excited to support the second season of the STCC farmers market,” Wicks said. “STCC is an important part of a network of community organizations working together to increase access to fresh, local, affordable fruits and vegetables in Springfield. This is a fun, affordable, and delicious opportunity for the campus and surrounding neighborhood residents to enjoy."
Farmers market customers visiting the STCC campus can park for free.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical option for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
Media Contact: Jim Danko, Coordinator of Media Relations, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu