The Cooperative Model
At Wellspring Harvest, our cooperative model is at the heart of everything we do. Unlike traditional businesses, a cooperative is owned and governed by its members—the workers themselves
About Us
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About Us
Wellspring Harvest
Our Mission
Wellspring Harvest is dedicated to providing fresh, local, and sustainable produce year-round while fostering economic empowerment in the community. As a worker-owned cooperative, we operate the largest urban greenhouse in Massachusetts, located in the heart of Indian Orchard, Springfield. Our mission is to deliver high-quality hydroponic lettuce and herbs to our commercial and institutional customers, including local supermarkets, hospitals, and schools, ensuring that our produce is both nutritious and environmentally friendly.
Our Story
Founded by the Wellspring Cooperative Corporation, Wellspring Harvest began its journey in 2016 with the goal of transforming a brownfield site into a thriving urban greenhouse. By raising $1.5 million from community investors, we built a 14,400-square-foot facility that now produces a variety of hydroponic crops without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Our first sales in 2018 marked the beginning of a growing network of customers, including Big Y stores, River Valley Coop, Randall’s Farm, and many more. Our commitment to sustainability and community development has driven us to expand our operations, reaching significant milestones such as selling over 340,000 heads of lettuce by 2022.
Our Community
Wellspring Harvest is more than just a greenhouse; it’s a community-driven initiative aimed at creating job opportunities and wealth for low-income residents of Springfield. With eight dedicated employees, most of whom are local residents, we emphasize on-the-job training and cooperative ownership. Our impact extends beyond our walls through initiatives like the Go Fresh Mobile Market, which brings fresh produce to underserved areas, and partnerships with local institutions to promote healthy eating. By choosing Wellspring Harvest, you support a vision of sustainable agriculture and economic revitalization that benefits everyone in our community.
