By Allison Epstein
Food For Free

When families visit Food For Free’s monthly School Markets at West Somerville Neighborhood School and East Somerville Community School, they gain access to much more than just the usual pantry staples – they’re welcomed with a vibrant selection of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Delivered by the Somerville and Cambridge-based food rescue and distribution nonprofit, the mix of donated and purchased produce fills the tables, offering families nourishing options.

As they walk through the door, they’re greeted with recipe cards tailored to the day’s offerings, along with a variety of nutrition resources, cooking utensils and interactive activities. It’s not just about getting food – it’s about empowering families to create healthy meals and build stronger connections with the food they bring home.

At the heart of this initiative is Gabriela McGrane, a UMass SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator from Cambridge. She partners with Food For Free and Somerville Public Schools to teach a six- to eight-week course on healthy eating for students of all ages, following the MyPlate curriculum. McGrane also curates kid-friendly, culturally relevant recipes, helping families make healthier food choices and encouraging them to engage with the produce available at the markets in creative ways.

“I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to not only provide food, but also to empower families with the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices,” says McGrane. “Food For Free’s School Markets program is a perfect example of how we can meet families where they are – making nutritious food accessible and providing resources that encourage families to engage with it in their own kitchens. For me, it’s about more than just handing out food; it’s about helping families feel confident in their ability to cook healthy meals and take care of themselves.”

Families appreciate the access to fresh produce, pantry staples, and creative recipes – ranging from broccoli mac n cheese to baked plantains and no-bake peach oatmeal crisp – along with kitchen tools like spatulas and vegetable peelers that inspire them to get creative in the kitchen. These resources are more than just a way to nourish; they’re an opportunity to make healthy meals fun and accessible for all ages. Educators also note that the program complements classroom nutrition lessons, adding a practical, real-world element to what students learn about healthy eating and helping them see the connection between the food they’re taught about and the food they can actually prepare and enjoy at home.

“The School Markets program is an essential resource for our families,” says Lee-Anne King, Somerville Public Schools Family & Community Liaison. “Many of our students face food insecurity, and having access to fresh, healthy food directly at school helps alleviate some of the pressure on families. Food For Free’s partnership not only provides nutritious food but also supports our broader efforts to promote health and wellness in the school community.”

Throughout the school year, Food For Free partners with seven schools across Cambridge and Somerville to host monthly markets for their families. These pop-up pantries offer the choice of several pantry staples, produce, and other fresh foods. Food For Free makes every effort to tailor the food contributions for each market to the preferences of the school community. Over 350,000 lbs. of food are distributed through 80-90 School Markets annually. These markets do not require enrollment or ID, and all food items are offered free of charge.

“Hosting markets are part of our efforts to meet people where they are, and in this case, we make it easy for families to pick up healthy, nutritious food,” says Amanda Kerstman, who runs the School Markets program at Food For Free. “By partnering with schools, we’re able to reach families where they already are – making it easier for them to provide healthy meals for their loved ones. It’s about more than just the food; it’s a holistic approach that builds relationships, offers support, and ensures that families feel empowered to make better food choices for themselves and their children.”

Please consider speaking with McGrane to learn more about how she is working with Food For Free and Somerville Public Schools to nourish and empower families to make healthier choices. I can easily arrange for you to see the School Markets Program in action. Your coverage will help to inform area residents of these free nutrition resources available to them in their own backyard.