Springfield winter market provides fresh food

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Winter does have its upside, especially for the growing number of people who shop at winter farmers markets.

The Springfield market re-opened Saturday at what used to be the Monkey house in Forest Park.
Northampton's winter farmers market opened in the Thorne's market basement.

The year round community food markets their slogan to buy locally grown produce has been helpful to Springfield area farmers. Shoppers praised the winter market concept.

Julie Grzymalski said, “It’s great, just like the summer market everything is fresh and other places are good.”

“We work directly with communities and local farmers to promote the bounty of local food,” Kelly Coleman said.

The selection of foods readily available during the cold weather ranges from salad greens and root vegetables to honey, jam and pickles.