PURPOSE
Springfield Farmers’ Market (SFM) exists for three primary reasons:
To provide quality, locally grown produce and artisan products to people who live, work and visit downtown Springfield
To generate economic opportunities for farmers and vendors
To actively participate in the revitalization of downtown Springfield

HISTORY
SFM opened in 2008 due to overwhelming interest by Springfield residents and the desire expressed by numerous vendors for an additional outlet in which to sell their products. The City of Springfield played a pivotal role in helping get the market off to a strong start, by providing donated space for the market, security, water, power, and restroom facilities, and by procuring advertising. Many individuals and businesses were involved in getting the market off the ground and defining the market’s purpose and focus.

NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation) took over management of the market in May, 2008, several weeks before the opening day in June, 2008. NEDCO took on this task because the organization has a long history of helping neighborhoods and families build assets through neighborhood revitalization, business development and consumer financial education, and Springfield Farmers’ Market fits perfectly with the organization’s mission.

Under NEDCO’s management, SFM had a successful, highly publicized opening day on June 13, 2008. Not-for-profit groups such as Willamalane and LCHAY (Lane Coalition for Healthy Active Youth) as well as the Springfield Public Library collaborated with NEDCO throughout the season to make the market even more thriving. SFM enjoyed a very successful first season buoyed by local enthusiasm for the market and by a wonderful group of dedicated, supportive vendors. For more information, see LCHAY's assessment report on SFM's 2008 season.