Springfield EATS
Springfield EATS
Springfield EATS
Partnership is the cornerstone of our work and Springfield EATS is a reflection of that. Springfield EATS’ work this year has been driven by a commitment to expanding access to healthy food, advocating for systemic policy changes, and building capacity for resident engagement and community organizations. With continued support from partners, funders, and community members, we will deepen our impact in the coming year, building local food systems, and improving health outcomes for Springfield’s most vulnerable populations.
2025 Summary
Springfield EATS' work this year has been driven by a commitment to expanding access to healthy food, advocating for systemic policy changes, and building capacity for resident engagement and community organizations.
With the continued support of partners, funders, and community member, we will deepen our impact by strengthening food systems
Core Partners
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Square One (SQ1): Dawn Di Stefano, CEO and Jemisa Douglas, Nutrition Consultant
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Springfield Food Policy Council (SFPC):
Elizabeth Wills O'Gilvie, Executive Director and Hellen Muma, Public Health Policy Associate, Graphic Scribe -
Fertile Ground (Learning and Evaluation): Catherine Sands, Executive Director; Terrel James, Evaluation Consultant; Hellen Muma, Evaluation Consultant;
Rooted In Community
The Rooted in Springfield Procurement Team brings together institutions, food system partners, and community stakeholders who share a commitment to strengthening local food systems in Hampden County. Since January 2025, the group has met regularly to build relationships, share knowledge, and explore practical strategies to increase institutional purchasing of fresh, locally produced food.
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By working collaboratively across sectors, the group aims to improve food access and health outcomes for Springfield residents while expanding viable markets for historically underserved l growers and food businesses.
Our Collective Vision
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To strengthen and expand viable markets for local growers by increasing the amount of local, fresh food purchased by institutions serving Hampden County residents.
Our Obejctives
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Build community and connection among institutional buyers and food system partners
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Increase local food procurement to support the health and well-being of Springfield residents
Our Goals
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Lead the Rooted institutional procurement team in identifying, developing and participating in stronger, more accessible pathways to purchase fresh, local food
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Facilitate pathways for smaller vendors and local farmers to aggregate food and grow institutional sales
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Identify gaps and opportunities for the development of a Springfield-based food hub
Get Involved
The Springfield Area Farm to Institution Procurement Group is a collaborative space for institutions and food system partners interested in strengthening local procurement in Hampden County. If you are an institutional buyer, farmer, food hub, processor, distributor, or work in local government, philanthropy, or food system advocacy, we welcome your interest.
To learn more, attend a meeting, or explore joining the group, please email Hellen Muma at hellen@springfieldfoodpolicycouncil.org with a brief description of your interest in the project.