Chicopee Farmers Market returns on Aug. 19 after one-year hiatus

CHICOPEE — After taking a year off, Center Fresh Farmers Market is returning to Chicopee for a shortened schedule at The Hub at Market Square on 31 Springfield St.

The market will relaunch on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 2-6 p.m. until Nov. 18. Food trucks will open at 1 p.m. for lunchtime.

Center Fresh Farmer’s Market Anna Brittan said that now that The Hub at Market Square is newly renovated, the Farmers Market can utilize the indoor and outdoor space.

The city of Chicopee, which now coordinates the market, said that the event is a way to give back to the local businesses and contribute to a vibrant community downtown. The market used to be operated by the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.

Each week, there will be anywhere from 15 to 20 vendors who sell locally grown produce, agricultural products, prepared foods, baked treats and crafts.

Food trucks and live music will also be a part of the market this year.

Brittan said the vendor list is still being finalized, but readers should be on the lookout for any updates at Center Fresh’s Facebook or Instagram page as well as at chicopeema.gov. The vendor application is still open for any businesses that are looking to get involved.

She added that it feels great to bring different vendors and stakeholders together by relaunching the market.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity to help relaunch the market,” Brittan said. “I think it’s been kind of a hole in Chicopee Center without it, and I know a lot of people have been wanting to come back and celebrate the energy of our downtown and support local business.”

Brittan explained that the market is a way for people to get out of the house and discover new businesses.

“There’s going to be a bunch of different vendors. There’s going to be a few new ones every single market. We’ll have live music and also activities for kids as well, and food trucks,” Brittan stated. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. [It’s] also an opportunity to bring your family, connect with your neighbors. Everyone is welcome.”

The market also aims to address food security, which is something that City Hall and the Planning Department take seriously, Brittan added.

Because the management of the market changed from the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to the city of Chicopee, Brittan said the Farmers Market will have to reapply for SNAP authorization as well as HIP and WIC payments.

To apply, the Farmers Market needs to be eligible by carrying enough fresh produce and enough eligible products that fall under those categories that one can use EBT benefits on.

Brittan said they are also recruiting farms and food vendors to become eligible. She said she is hoping that the market becomes eligible before the season ends, but if not, she said they will have authorization by next season.

“It’s my top priority to be able to provide EBT and SNAP payments at the market,” Brittan stated.

Although the Chicopee Farmers Market cannot yet accept EBT payments market-wide, Brittan said they just had a fresh produce vendor, who individually accepts SNAP, apply. She added that she is still working to recruit more farms for SNAP Retailer Authorization.