Springfield Office

To Market, to Market

NEP Nutrition Educators cook up local flavors—and boost local growers—at Massachusetts farmers’ markets

When it comes to serving up healthy dishes at local farmers’ markets, the educators from UMass Extension’s Nutrition Education Program are nothing if not determined.

“One day we were giving out samples of tomato mango salsa and it started to storm,” says Holyoke market Nutrition Educator Ana Rosa Monet. “Two blocks over, lightning knocked down a tree, but we just rolled up our pants, got drenched, ran into City Hall, and kept serving. No rain or thunder is going to stop us!”

Their customers are just as devoted. Upwards of 400 people stop by the NEP stand at Springfield’s market at Trinity Church, lining up patiently to get a taste of what’s cooking—Asian linguini, perhaps, or green bean and tomato salad—and to take home a recipe or two, in English, Spanish, even Vietnamese or Portuguese, depending on cultural makeup of the neighborhood. “The same clients look for us each season,” says educator Arlene Iraola. “They say ‘Where have you been?’ They really know UMass Extension.”

It’s a win-win situation, both for shoppers at the market, who learn how to choose and cook healthy local produce, and for area farmers, who benefit from the increased interest spurred by UMass Extension’s displays, food demonstrations, and tastings. Whether they’re contemplating an unfamiliar herb or seeking out a Spanish or Asian vegetable they can’t find elsewhere, customers can count on NEP Educators to be standing by with cooking suggestions or directions to nearby market stalls that have what they need.

The towns and communities that host the markets have been equally supportive. In Holyoke, for example, the mayor’s office provides NEP with extra ingredients for special market events, such as the ever-popular annual Berry Festival. In Springfield, says Iraola, increased efforts to promote local fruits and vegetables have gone hand in hand with a burgeoning green consciousness. And helping folks with low incomes stretch the nutritional value of their food dollars at the markets has become easier with new payment options such as EBT cards and coupons for WIC participants and senior citizens.

It all makes sense, since in the end putting everyone on the path to better living through healthier food is at the core of the NEP Educators’ mission. “People don’t realize they can make a fruit smoothie without sugar,” says Torres. “They don’t realize that when you make pancakes with fresh berries from the market, you don’t need syrup. People love it, kids love it, and parents feel good about making healthy recipes for their children.”

NEP educators can also be found at farmers’ markets in the areas served by our Lawrence and Boston offices.