Grow Food’s winter market returns on Saturday for season

NORTHAMPTON — Grow Food Northampton’s winter market returns this weekend looking to provide locally grown produce and crafts as well as live entertainment to kick off the holiday season.

The market will open on Saturday at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring more than 30 vendors selling products such as honey, cheese, meat, handmade crafts, jewelry and ceramics. The market is set to return every other Saturday afterward until April 5, with an additional 10 vendors set to participate throughout the season. Vendors include Dave’s Natural Gardens of Granby, Park Hill Orchard of Easthampton and Winter Moon Roots of Hadley.

The two December markets will also feature live musical performances, with Dick Moulding performing this Saturday and Peter Blanchette performing on Dec. 21.

“The space allows us to host a large diversity of vendors and create a welcoming environment where people can shop, eat, and enjoy live music with friends and family,” said Helen Kahn, Grow Food Northampton’s Farmers Market manager, in a statement. “Supporting our local farmers while fostering connections in the community is at the heart of what we do.”

In addition, Grow Food Northampton announced it would increase its matching program for buyers using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), offering $20 for every $10 on an EBT cardholder’s benefit. The move comes in response to planned cuts to the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, a benefit for SNAP users that allows reimbursement when buying fresh fruits and vegetables.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.