USFM Trilingual SNAP Facilitators Claudia and Rafael ready to serve
in Cantonese, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, & Spanish

Sustaining a farmers market for all

Union Square Main Streets (USMS) proudly presents the 8th Annual Good Food For All campaign June 21-28. 

Back for an 8th 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 (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) match available at the Union Square Farmers Market.

Since 2005, USMS has raised more than $102,000 to match SNAP dollars, making it possible for more neighbors to participate in and enjoy the bounty of its farmers market.

How much does this matter? 

During the 2019 Union Square Farmers Market season, USMS issued $297 in SNAP and match per market. In the 2024 season, the average SNAP and match issued per market was $1,797, representing an astounding 505% increase.

This season, 224 shoppers utilized SNAP match funds in just the first month—upwards of 1,500 local families are expected to benefit from the SNAP match program in the 2025 season as a whole. 

While this shows that fresh food continues to be a priority for all, it also means supporting Good Food For All is crucial to help Somervillians keep local, nutritious food on the table for the entirety of Massachusetts’ growing season.

To support neighbors struggling with food security, community members are invited to come to the table to help ensure that everyone has access to fresh, local food in the heart of Union Square. 

How does it work?

• Shop, dine, or play at any of the 50+ participating local businesses between June 21-28

• Purchase their featured item or promotion (find details here)

• Participating businesses then donate proceeds  

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

• Community members may contribute individual donations to this program in person at the market or online

“The gaps in food insecurity continue to widen as a result of federal cuts,” said Mary Cassesso, a USMS Board member and member of the campaign’s planning team. “While I know many families and small businesses are feeling the pinch of the economy, I also know we share a deep commitment to food justice and making certain that we donate to support Good Food for All to help our neighbors minimize the devastating impact of hunger.”

To help meet this year’s fundraising goal of $15,000, direct donations to the USFM SNAP match can be made at www.unionsquaremain.org. 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

• $800 = all the SNAP match funds needed for a typical Saturday farmers market

• $3,200 = SNAP match funds anticipated to be needed for one month

“Our match program includes food security benefit facilitation in multiple languages and it’s truly taken a village to keep it growing over the past two decades while meeting increases in demand,” said USMS executive director Jessica Eshleman. “The generous support of 50+ local businesses and a wide array of individuals is what makes this possible for a 21st season. We — and the 1,500 families with more healthy food in their fridge this market season — are utterly grateful to each and every person and business who is our partner in sustaining a farmers market for all.” 

Good Food For All is made possible by its 2025 sponsors Liberty Cannabis, USQ, Eversource, Somerville Family Dental, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Tiny Turns Paperie, Union 346, Cambria, Naveo Credit Union, Remnant Brewing, Rockland Trust, Vinal Bakery, Vinal General Store, and donors who have already contributed to help sustain the SNAP Match. The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2025 Season Sponsor. 

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.