Market support sought

By Pamela Metaxas

05/12/2008- The Republican

CHICOPEE - Contracts have been sent out for this season's Farmers Market, but organizers are still seeking additional farmers and vendors.

Manager James M. Sroka of the Valley Opportunity Council - which sponsors the annual market - said last week that for the first time, fliers for the market and the summer food service program are being inserted in Chicopee Electric Light Co. bills in order to generate interest.

The market will be conducted from July 2 to Sept. 10, open on every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For the second year, it will be set up on Chicopee Street in the Willimansett section on the western side of the Interstate-391 overpass.

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House plants, perennials, jam, fruit, baked goods, eggs, herbs, candles, and vegetables will be among the items on sale, along with greeting and note cards, gardening advice, nutritional data, and access to Valley Opportunity Council services.

"I have sent out some of the contracts to about 45 to 50 vendors, but we are still looking for anyone else who is interested," said Sroka. "We are starting a week earlier this year."

He estimated that well over 23,000 members of households attended the market last year, and believes that the new location - which keeps vendors and shoppers out of inclement weather, as well as the sun - has contributed to its popularity.

Anyone interested in being a vendor is asked to call Sroka at (413) 552-1545, Ext. 311.

Last year, he hoped to extend the market into September, but did not have the farm base after one of the largest vendors ended its 2007 run.

Sroka said the Valley Opportunity Council has to develop consistency and build relationships with farmers and other vendors.

The utility fliers are also advertising the Valley Opportunity Council's federal summer food program. Children can eat free meals at Rivers Park, Sarah Jane Park, Cabot Manor, the Senecal Meeting House, Wisniowski Park, and Lincoln Grove Park.

The lunches are for anyone aged 1 to 18, and are usually served from 10:50 a.m. to noon.

The Valley Opportunity Council is reimbursed with federal funds through the state Department of Education for every meal served. The School Department's food services prepare the meals, and no registration or identification is needed to eat a free lunch.

About 1,800 children are served daily.

For information on the program, call the council at (413) 552-1545 (extensions 302 or 311).