More than 35 local businesses team up to create a more inclusive farmers market

Good Food for All is a week-long, community campaign returning to Union Square from June 22-29. More than 35 local businesses and 10+ market vendors have teamed up to raise awareness and funds for the local SNAP match available at the Union Square Farmers Market.

Since 2005, Union Square Main Streets (USMS) has raised money 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 second year, USMS is turning to the public to expand local support for the program with Good Food For All during the last week in June.

“The success of last year’s campaign proves again that Somerville shines brightly with values of inclusion and community and that it loves its locally-owned, diverse businesses,” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets. “We’re excited to urge the public to frequent participating businesses for a second year to help keep our farmers market inclusive.”

How does it work?

1. Call a friend, make a date, or venture solo in Union Square between June 22-29

2. Shop, dine, or play at any of the 35+ participating local businesses

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

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

5. Participating businesses then donate proceeds to match SNAP items

6. Every Saturday throughout the market season, SNAP customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10, for healthy, fresh, local food at the Union Square Farmers Market

Local businesses were quick to sign on knowing that the program will have a positive impact on its community and neighbors. “Good Food For All brings the SNAP match out of the market to get the whole community involved. For eight days—bookended by the farmers market itself—businesses throughout Union Square have come together to support this incredible program. They’re offering specials, featured products and services, a percentage of sales, or flat donations to fund the match directly. Last year 500 people were able to access healthy, local food through GFFA. This year we want to go even farther!” said Shane Clyburn of In Season Food Shop.

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:

• $10 = one SNAP match for one family

• $40 = SNAP match benefits for one family for one month

• $100 = one SNAP match for ten families

• $200 = all the SNAP match funds needed for one Saturday farmers market

Food insecurity is real in Somerville: 9.5% of residents rely on SNAP and more than 50% of Somerville Public School students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Because of the generosity of residents and businesses, since 2005, USMS has provided over $17,500 matching SNAP-payments to help hundreds of our neighbors eat good, fresh, locally-grown food. A recipient at the June 15 Market shared how important the SNAP match is to them saying, “I’m disabled so it’s hard to earn the money to be able to buy quality food. I can be less worried about the next time I can buy food. I need this program to live.”

Participating Businesses include:

4GoodVibes

Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Assawaga Farm

Barber’s Den

Bell & Goose Cheese Co.

Bharat Babies

Boston Smoked Fish Co.

Bounce Management

Brass Union

Brookford Farm

BRONWYN Restaurant

Cantina La Mexicana

Casa B Tapas and Cocktail & Rum Bar

celeste

Centrepoint Architects

El Potro Mexican Grill

Elliot’s House Pet Care & More

EM & ADE

EventThem

Field & Vine

Gracie’s Ice Cream

Hooked Fish Shop

Hutchins Farm

The Independent

In Season Food Shop

Juliet

The Jungle Community Music Club

Liberty Cannabis

Masala Square

Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery

NU Kitchen

Off the Beaten Path Food Tours

Play Union

Remnant Brewing

Samira’s Homemade Food

Somerville Chocolate

Somerville Grooves

The Tango Society of Boston/Dance Union

Tasting Counter

Taza Chocolate

Tex Mex Eats

Union Square Beer & Wine

Union Square Main Streets

Warehouse XI