Our market operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, functioning as an independent and self-sufficient entity.
Currently, our operations are overseen by a dedicated Board of Directors, responsible for managing the nonprofit’s activities and ensuring the alignment with our market’s mission statement. Our Board of Directors meets regularly with our Market Manager throughout the year to ensure smooth operation of the market.
Our Mission
The Easthampton Farmers’ Market promotes regional agriculture to ensure a continuing supply of fresh, local produce in Easthampton. Our main purpose is to support farmers and preserve farmland for future generations by providing regional, small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables, and other farm products. Another goal is to provide a weekly, seasonal community gathering space that centers around agriculture, fresh food, and sustainability. This market also seeks to assist those who may be experiencing food insecurity, by working with local organizations and by seeking out produce vendors who accept SNAP and HIP.
Market Manager
Julia Zegarra
Julia has been living in Easthampton for nine years, and around the Valley for almost 20. She has four kids, three cats, a chaotic garden, and a dust bunny problem. Julia owns way more books than she’ll ever get around to reading, but if you want to know anything about British history, she’s your girl. When not working, you might find her either knitting or reading or both. Julia also helps run a knitting group that meets every other week at Fame in Holyoke and plays trivia monthly at Marigold. Ask her about either if you‘d like to join!
Board of Directors
Heather McLean, President
Heather McLeanbegan working with stained glass in 1995. After moving to Massachusetts she opened Dragonfly Stained Glass Studio in Easthampton and began teaching classes and doing mostly residential custom work. She was integral in the early days of Easthampton Farmers’ Market and is thrilled to be a part of it again.
Malinda Lesko, Director
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Malinda Lesko felt drawn to New England after college, eventually landing in Western MA in 2008. She brings passion and creativity to her community-focused small business, Alchemy Fiber Mill, here in Easthampton (just downstairs from the winter market!). Malinda works directly with local farmers in the region who raise sheep and other fiber animals. She strives to create the connection between local farmers to fiber artists and makers, especially through wool! Ask her about Western MA Fibershed. Mainda lives in Easthampton with her husband and their super soft rescue pittie.
Barbara LaBombard, Treasurer
Barbara LaBombard joined the market board as Treasurer shortly retiring from a 42-year career with the City of Easthampton; 31 years as City Clerk. She grew up on a 60-acre poultry and dairy farm in the Catskills of New York State and her family still owns and lives on the farm in beautiful Delaware County. An Easthampton resident since 1983 she and her husband Rich and two kitties live in a restored 1923 farmhouse at the base of Mt. Tom. She tends a large home garden along with blueberries, raspberries and peach trees. Since retiring she also helps out in the creamery at Mayval Farm in Westhampton.
Carolyn Oates, Clerk
Carolyn Oates has been a farmer in the community since 1998. She has been with the Easthampton Farmers Market for 12 years working with many local farms as a manager, buyer and caretaker.
Please consider making a donation to continue to fund our SNAP Match program. It’s more important than ever.
Our market is currently HIP approved and is able to assist SNAP recipients with HIP benefits. Additionally, as annual funding permits, our market has a SNAP-Matching program where we match $10 of a recipient’s SNAP funds each week!