Mason Square Farmers Market

strations or the annual Breast Cancer awareness event in October. These organizations and organizers believe and support the importance of this market and events. Where can you meet your local farmers? In addition to the community the market’s success has depended upon the loyal farmers who have come every week to sell, rain or shine. Glenroy Buchanan of Pioneer Valley NE Growers Co-op was raised in Springfield and played a large part in bringing a market back to the area he knew as Winchester Square growing up. Founded in 1988 the purpose of Glenroy’s enterprise is “to distribute locally grown fruits and vegetables to inner city communities in areas where traditional outlets are not available”. Gardening the Community (GTC) is another local favorite that has been at the market from the beginning. GTC, as it is known, employs youth from around the Mason Square Neighborhood and beyond to grow fruits and vegetables on vacant or abandoned property; revitalizing and making them productive. In addition to offering a local flavor, the market has farmers from throughout the Pioneer Valley, like Green Acres Fruit Farm from Wilbraham, which offers apples, plums, pears, and peaches. The Wholesome Wave Foundation will continue to provide money to double SNAP (food stamps) up to 10 dollars a week (ten dollars gets you an extra ten to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at the market). The MSFM will always accept WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons. Affordable. Real Food. "..The friendly market on the Hill"