Springfield (KMTR) - A year round farmer's market is sprouting in Springfield with the aim of helping the local economy grow. A project of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), “Sprout” will connect the community to all segments of the local food market.In October, the current farmer’s market will move indoors, into what will become the former First Christian Church on the corner of 4th and A Streets in Springfield. NEDCO has purchased the building for the Sprout market, which will feature a commissary kitchen available to food businesses looking to expand, food classes and, of course, the year round farmer’s market. The market will be held in what is now the church sanctuary.
The people behind Sprout believe that with more selling opportunity, farmers and producers may be able to grow new foods and make new items.
NEDCO Executive Director Claire Seguin explains, “What we really want to do is provide that missing piece in the community to help bring the facility and the education and opportunity to a really positive community environment; to connect the shoppers, and the growers and the vendors and the food carts and everyone who's interested in the food movement, all together in one really vibrant place.”
Seguin says Sprout is getting a huge response from its 20 regular farmer’s market participants and she hopes to add more growers once indoors.
The First Christian Church will hold its last service in the building on Easter Sunday. Sprout hopes to be ready to roll by October.
