The 2023 season of the Union Square Farmers Market is now open and will run every Saturday through October 28. — Photos by Beatriz Leite

By Beatriz Leite

Join the local vendors on Union Square and enjoy the fresh, organic and innovative products they have to offer for the season. The 19th edition of the Annual Union Square Farmers Market is officially active every Saturday from May 13 until October 28. The market has over 50 local vendors with a large variety of products from all around Massachusetts. The market takes place at Union Square Plaza from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 Since 2005, the city of Somerville has hosted this local farmer’s market that attracts shoppers from all over the Greater Boston area. This event opens an opportunity for local businesses to thrive and prosper, with new customers looking for organic, natural, and fresh produce and innovative ideas brought to the city by the vendors.

This year’s edition has some new products, such as Urban Pharm, a business created in Cambridge by the couple Jill and Anne that focuses on mastering fruit-based syrups with vinegar to create flavorful mixers. The shrub can create cocktails or be added to sparkling water for flavor.  “This is our first time in the market, and we are very excited,” Jill mentioned as she served the thrilled new customers.

In the Union Square Farmers Market, shoppers can find produce, baked goods, beverages, prepared foods, and various other specialties. Not all vendors are at the market on a weekly basis. Some will be present biweekly, others monthly. On the official market website, interested customers can check the vendor’s availability and their certified organic, HIP-approved, and SNAP Match-approved status. The website also discloses a numbered map to assist buyers in finding the booths and where businesses will stay.

Valicenti Pasta Farm’s sales representative highlights how the Union Square Farmers Market has given them growth opportunities. The business started by creating different tomato sauces from their farm. It has developed into more flavors and makes its own fresh pasta, all available for sale at the market.

The City of Somerville was awarded a grant to distribute Green and Yellow Cab vouchers to help Somerville residents get food easier, for free, via a cab voucher. Vouchers can be used to go to any grocery store, food pantry, or farmers’ market in Somerville. Additionally, vouchers can be used for doctor’s appointments (non-emergency), vaccine appointments, prescription pickup, or other health-supporting activities as approved. To join, citizens must fill out a Google Form to get their vouchers, which will last until October 2024.

Apart from the vouchers, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers are valued in the Union Square Farmers Market. The market offers a dollar-for-dollar SNAP match of up to $15 per market.

This annual neighborhood event continues to serve as an economic opportunity for all Greater Boston vendors and allows more community connection in Union Square, Somerville.