“When people think of farms, they tend to think of the summer, abundance, corn fields, and flowers. What people don’t realize is that farms function year-round, and there are many business models that allow farmers to grow products year-round or have products year-round to sell,” says Hannah Logan, Market Manager of the Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market.

Logan explains how winter farmers markets are vibrant places for community to gather and to purchase local food as many of the products are produced or stored for year-round sales.

“People are sugaring maple syrup right now,” she says. “Farmers produce that syrup, then store it for sales the rest of the year. Meat is available year-round, as local meat is often frozen after the animal has been processed. Mushrooms are grown inside and are produced throughout the year.”

The Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market carries a variety of local crops and food products throughout the winter. For vegetable crops grown outdoors, Logan says, “Carrots, beets, squash, and onions are grown late in the year. They are called ‘storage crops’ because they are stored for people to enjoy fresh food through the winter. Farmers grow fresh spinach in tunnels or fresh greens in greenhouses.”

Beyond the fresh and frozen food, enterprising farmers create preserves and sauces that are canned or jarred for sale throughout the year. The market has five vendors who offer fresh and storage-crop vegetables: Just Roots, Lombrico Farm, Coyote Hill Farm, and Preservation Orchard as part of a collective with another vendor, Meadowfed Lamb.

Barberic Farm supplies eggs, lamb, preserves and pies. Sunrise Farm offers syrup and beef, while Meadowfed lamb sells eggs, lamb, and chicken. Lilypad Acres is the sole supplier of pork at the market. Livingstone Farm provides fresh mushrooms. Song Sparrow Farm offers soup, pastries, and baked goods to eat at the market or to take home.

Accessibility for all ages is a central tenet of the Greenfield Farmers’ Market. Using a receipt system, the entire market is eligible for governmental food programs, under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). Many of the vendors have their own SNAP and HIP card readers and shoppers can purchase right there. For vendors without that capacity, the market offers a communal system at the market manager’s table.

HIP has been a successful program that supports the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables from farm stands and farmers markets across the Commonwealth. In an effort to manage a statewide budget shortfall, on Dec. 1, the state legislature reduced HIP benefits for participants. The average benefit of $40 per month was cut to $20 per month, regardless of household size.

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According to the HIP monthly fact sheets on the mass.gov website, in November 2024, there were $1.7M in HIP transactions statewide that paid local farmers to put food on participants’ tables. After the budget cuts, in December 2024, the monthly HIP transactions statewide totaled just over $500,000. This has had a significant impact on sales for local farms and farmers markets.

“I have gotten a lot of customer questions about HIP: if it’s coming back or if they can still use it,” Logan says. “People are still coming to the market, but our receipt system is used less … I would estimate that a quarter of our produce sales — if not more — come from SNAP and HIP.

“Mostly, I’ve seen people seem sad, confused, and hopeless, who really want to buy from farmers and can’t. They still come but can only buy half of what they used to. I think people see the value of the community of our market, even if they don’t have their full value to spend.”

Logan sees how the HIP reductions are impacting farmers and businesses, too. “There’s a lot in farming that doesn’t work for people to sustain a business or a life. That’s really sad. Farmers want to grow and provide food for the community, and wrestle with how to support themselves while doing that.

“I am trying to figure out how we as a market can support farmers. Exploring options for SNAP-match programs is one thing I am thinking about for the long-term.”

Logan remains committed to both vendors and customers. “I can help you maximize your SNAP and HIP benefits, even when spending $5 at the market,” she says.

Joy inspires and motivates Logan to manage the Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market. “I find so much joy in running the market. I love a good spreadsheet and organizing. It’s a strength that taps into my background in farming.”

Logan also appreciates the art of building community. “Having spaces where people can gather is important. I find joy in people gathering around food, both vendors and customers. It’s important for a sense of place and a connection to other people, and I get to witness that and help people cultivate that. I feel the direct impact of my work, which motivates me to show up and be an authentic community presence. I love the market, and I love the people involved. I think people need grace and understanding, and I can offer that to others.”

The Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market meets at the Greenfield Public Library, 412 Main St. There are two remaining winter markets on Saturdays, March 8 and April 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on the Greenfield Farmers’ Market, see social media or greenfieldfarmersmarket.com.

Lisa Goodrich is a Communications Coordinator for Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA). To find a Farmers’ Market near you, check CISA’s online guide at https://tinyurl.com/2025FarmersMarkets. Filter to choose the current season.