(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

Four out of every 10 neighbors are food insecure, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank—a staggering 40% do not have enough food to eat! This rate has more than doubled since 2019.

How can this be?

I’ve seen this need firsthand while packing fresh food boxes at Food For Free, handing out free fresh food at the CHA Revere Health Center, and at our weekly Come to the Table meal at Connexion Church. The lines are long well before the food is available. As the need continues to grow, many recipients have an overwhelming fear of not having food for their families and themselves.

The magnitude of the increasing numbers of folks experiencing hunger and food insecurity is hard to fully grasp. According to the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance, 1.1 million households across Massachusetts lack access to healthy food, with 25% regularly missing meals or going hungry.

It’s heartbreaking and compelling–yet we can all make a difference.

Rising food insecurity causes a ripple effect—farmers are struggling with increased costs and a decrease in funds from these programs and are in need of our support too. You can help both!

For a 9th year, Union Square Main Streets, the nonprofit that produces the Union Square Farmers Market, has organized the Good Food For All campaign, which raises awareness and funds for the market’s SNAP Match Program and helps keep fresh, healthy and culturally exciting produce affordable.

Food is medicine. Will you join me in ensuring the Union Square Farmers Market can continue to double SNAP dollars up to $15 every week of its season by donating to the campaign either at the market or at https://www.unionsquaremain.org/good-food-for-all?

A donation in any amount makes a difference, thank you!

—Mary Cassesso, lifelong Somervillian, Union Square resident for 40+ years, and member of Union Square Main Streets’ Board of Directors