Come to the table to feed neighbors-in-need
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Union Square Main Streets proudly presents the 4th Annual Good Food for All. Back for a fourth year, local businesses, farmers market vendors, and community members have teamed up for this week-long, community campaign to raise awareness and funds for the local SNAP match available at Union Square Farmers Market.

Since 2005, Union Square Main Streets (USMS) has fundraised to match SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the successor to Food Stamps) dollars, making it possible for more eligible households to participate in their farmers market. For a fourth year, USMS and participating businesses are turning to the public to expand local support for the program and with Good Food For All during the last week in June.

Last year, demand for the SNAP match at the farmers market increased by 171% as resilient Somerville residents endured the devastating impacts of COVID-19. 

Although recent reopening efforts have established a sense that life will return to normal, studies have found that those most affected by the pandemic are far from economic recovery, with food insecurity rates being highest among adults with children. 

USMS invites members of the community to come to the table to help feed neighbors-in-need as USMS continues to serve an significantly increased number of SNAP recipients in Somerville, many of whom are experiencing food insecurity for the first time.

“Many of us are feeling a deep sense of relief that we’ve made it through this very difficult year. Let’s hope this feeling of gratitude carries through as we rebuild our neighborhood, coming together to help those less fortunate so we can grow stronger as a whole. Good Food for All is a beautiful program that unites us through good food. Let’s celebrate by supporting our collective community and sharing the love of goods and produce grown and sourced locally!” shared Maria Rondeau, USMS Board Member, Good Food For All committee member, and owner of the award-winning, Peruvian restaurant celeste. 

How does it work?

• Call a friend, make a date, or venture solo in Union Square June 19-26

• Shop, dine, or play at any of the participating local businesses

• Purchase their featured item or promotion (details at www.unionsquaremain.org)

• Enjoy Union Square; know you are making a difference for your neighbors  

• Participating businesses then donate proceeds to match SNAP items 

• Every Saturday throughout the market season, SNAP customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $15, for healthy, fresh, local food at the Union Square Farmers Market

“Many of us are excited to return to dining out with friends, but many others continue to struggle, not knowing how they will afford nutrient-rich food for the members of their household they are responsible for feeding,” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets. “The local businesses, market vendors, and individuals who join in this campaign demonstrate impact-based values that are essential to sustaining a more inclusive farmers market – a powerful illustration of what makes this neighborhood of businesses and people so meaningfully spirited.”

Individual donations to the local SNAP match at www.unionsquaremain.org are also encouraged to help meet this year’s fundraising goal of $5,000. Donations are tax deductible and make these outcomes possible:

• $15 = one SNAP match for one family

• $60 = SNAP match for one family for one month

• $150 = one SNAP match for ten families

• $240 = all the SNAP match funds needed for a typical Saturday farmers market

• $1,000 = SNAP match funds anticipated to be needed for one month

USMS has provided over $37,900 matching SNAP-payments to help hundreds of individuals access high-quality, fresh, locally-grown food since 2005, thanks to the generosity of residents. One recipient shared how important the SNAP match is to them saying, “It’s not just about increasing access to healthier foods but also about being able to eat at all. With the [SNAP] match you get a much better deal here than you would at the grocery store where you can only buy canned foods to make your money last.” 

The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2021 Season Sponsor. Good Food For All is made possible by Liberty Cannabis, the 346 Union Square development team, The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery, Union Leaf, EventThem and donors who have already contributed to help make the SNAP Match possible.

About Union Square Main Streets, Inc.:
Union Square Main Streets works to strengthen the dynamic neighborhood of businesses and people in Union Square. We take a four part approach: promoting and celebrating its unique and spirited character; advocating for and assisting local businesses; working to create welcoming public spaces; and fostering connection and collaboration among diverse stakeholders and partners. More information is available at www.unionsquaremain.org.