In 2024 we hosted a visit from Senator John Velis and State Rep Pat Duffy at the Holyoke Farmers’ Market to have a conversation about HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) and why it should continue to be funded in Massachusetts. It was an awesome visit, they are both very supportive of HIP, and they got to hear from farmers and customers about the successes of the program.
In 2023 we partnered with Atlas Farm to bring a Mobile Farmers Market to Holyoke.
In 2021 We partnered with the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, the Holyoke Soldiers Memorial Commission, and Atlas Farm to bring a Winter Farmers Market to Holyoke. The Winter Market is still running and is managed by the Chamber.
In advance of the 2021 Holyoke Elections, we partnered with Holyoke Media to hold an at-large candidate forum to inform the public on each candidate’s food system views, experience and plans.
The Collective formed in 2020 to bring forward an ordinance that would allow Holyoke residents to keep backyard hens. A year of city council meetings resulted in changes to the ordinance that put up significant barriers for residents, and we ultimately withdrew our support for the ordinance.