Join in the dance as the Union Square Farmers Market opens its 17th season at its new location on Somerville, this Saturday, May 15.

Union Square Main Streets kicks off the 17th season of the Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville this Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a big change. The market will move from Union Square Plaza, its home for 16 years, to Somerville Avenue, in order to provide businesses and their outdoor patios the vital opportunity to welcome Union Square lovers.

Since 2005, the Union Square Farmers Market has helped shoppers fill their homes with top-quality, fresh, local food while serving as a catalyst for vibrancy, economic activity, and neighborhood connection.

Thanks to the City of Somerville’s support, customers can shop local in open air at the COVID-19 Prepared Market, now on Somerville Avenue, which will be closed to motor vehicles between Carlton and Hawkins Streets. Market goers can navigate to the market using the address 366 Somerville Avenue and are reminded that Union Square is best explored by foot, bike, and public transit.

“Orchestrating a market of this scale is always a dance,” said Jessica Eshleman executive director of Union Square Main Streets, the nonprofit who produces the market. “This year is no exception as we invite the community to join in the street to patronize their favorite local food producers in a new set up that doesn’t conflict with beloved, local restaurants recovering from severe pandemic impacts. It’s exciting that customers can return to safe Saturday open-air outings in Union: shop, then brunch or lunch throughout the Square.”

The Union Square Farmers Market is a destination for award-winning chefs, scores of neighbors near and far, and customers vulnerable to food insecurity, making it a deep source of community pride. The market is also a critical marketplace for some 30 local farms and food producers including Somerville businesses such as Tasting Counter, Deano’s Pasta, Hooked Fish Shop, Mahalab Bakery, and Foundation Kitchen’s Bagel Guild. These elements in particular resonate with the 2021 Union Square Farmers Market Season Sponsor, Boynton Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project.

“The Union Square Farmers Market is both a meaningful and essential service for the residents of Somerville during this time of optimism for the community, and the Boynton Yards team is humbled to support this effort again this year,” said John Fenton, development managing partner of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners. “The perseverance of Union Square Main Streets to move forward with the market in a timely and responsible manner speaks volumes about their work and commitment to the City of Somerville.”

The market also plays a critical role in Somerville’s food security system, having provided SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) customers with a match since its creation in 2005. Through a partnership with City of Somerville and the Somerville Farmers Market Coalition (in collaboration with Shape Up Somerville, Mass Farmers Markets, and Somerville Winter Farmers Market), the SNAP match has now increased to a dollar-for-dollar match up to $15 per market. This increase is thanks to the Somerville Community Development Block Grant, which establishes a city-wide SNAP match for the first time.

This year’s market again emphasizes friendly safety over friendly gathering. Shoppers are asked to keep it clean and keep it quick by making selections as efficiently as possible, maintaining social distancing, and following public health mandates, including masks which must be worn at all times.

While emphasis has shifted from gathering to safety, the intrinsic link between the Union Square Farmers Market and Somerville’s local economy has not. Shoppers should share pride supporting independent food producers in convenient proximity to nearby Square businesses who keep infinite hope in Union.

The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible for a second year thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2021 Season Sponsor; a Somerville Community Development Block Grant; and donors who contribute to help make the SNAP Match possible.