July 12, 2021

Sunday farmer’s market at local parish brings food, crafts, fun to neighborhood

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

SPRINGFIELD – Parishioners from Holy Cross Parish in Springfield, along with residents of surrounding communities, now have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and arts and crafts here on weekends.

The Holy Cross Church Fruit and Bread of Life Farmer’s Market began its first-year run on June 3 and continues every Sunday rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. through Oct. 30. Longtime parishioner Frank Ryan, who co-coordinated the farmer’s market, said the neighborhood is growing, with many young vibrant families moving into the area.

“The purpose of our farmer’s market on Plumtree Road, right off of Roosevelt Ave., is to support local farmers, to provide locally grown healthy food products in a welcoming community,” Ryan said. “We are reaching out to the neighborhood and to all Catholics and people of every faith to know that this is just a warm, welcoming church.”

Ryan invited 47 farmers to the market of which six are presently participating. There are also booths selling homemade baked goods and crafts. Food trucks offering barbecue foods and ice cream are present as well.

As patrons walk through the entire market they receive a free raffle ticket that has a different themed prize each week. Many volunteers from the parish, of a wide variety of ages, work at the event including, 16-year-old Sarah Szalai, a confirmation student at the parish who hopes more people her age will become involved.

Father Frank Lawlor, administrator of Holy Cross Parish, said Ryan has done a great job persuading new merchants to participate and also introduced live entertainment, which he hopes will attract an audience to the parish.

“It has been a wonderful spirit and we meet a lot of new people that walk by that start a conversation, so it has been a successful experience,” said Father Lawlor.

John Alves, a farmer from Southview Farm in Belchertown, said Massachusetts residents who qualify for the WIC program and senior citizens can receive 10 coupons to use at all farmer’s  markets to purchase fresh produce only.

“You get twenty five dollars’ worth of coupons. I am certified to receive them here. A lot of people are not aware of the program. It is designed to promote a healthy nutrition program for those most in need,” said Alves.

Ryan said farmers interested in joining the weekly farmer’s market should contact him at Holy Cross Parish, 221 Plumtree Rd., Springfield, 413-783-4111.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.