May 14 marks the Somerville Union Square Farmers Market’s opening day and to coincide with the start of the season, neighborhood eateries and businesses will be offering specialty items and goods where a percentage of sales will be donated to the Union Square Farmer’s Market SNAP Match program. Now in its sixth year, the program allows SNAP (formerly known as “food stamps”) recipients to use their benefit cards to purchase farmers market tokens giving them healthy, fresh and locally grown food. The Union Square Main Streets organization then matches every dollar, up to $10, and has committed to raising $4,500 to sustain the Farmers Market SNAP Match program during the 2016 season.

Between 2010 and 2014, the poverty rate in Somerville grew from 10.5% to 15.5% and 67% of the children in Somerville Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced meals. More than 13,000 Somerville residents live below the poverty line and with rising housing costs and federal budget cuts, it has become increasingly difficult for families to be able to afford healthy farmer’s market products.

This year, Jess Willis – Board Member of Union Square Main Streets and Chief Operating Officer for The Independent Restaurant Group, including Brass Union and The Independent – is leading the initiative, having recruited a dozen Union Square business neighbors to join in on this worthy community cause.

“This initiative embodies what Union Square is all about,” said Jess Willis. “Every year, Union Square Main Streets brings businesses and residents together to fundraise for this important program and, in the process, we all have fun, engage with each other and create a more vibrant community.”

On May 14 during respective operating hours, the following Union Square businesses will feature an item or service where a percentage of the sales will be donated directly to the Union Square Farmer’s Market SNAP Match program:

Brass Union (70 Union Square): Drumlin Farm Benedict ($11, with 50% of sales donated)

Brooklyn Boulders (12A Tyler Street); Day Pass ($25, with 50% of sales donated)

Cove (375 Somerville Avenue): $1 donation for every new trial signup; $5 donation for every new account opened

East Boston Savings Bank (37 Union Square): $5 donation for every new account opened

El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill (61 Union Square): Veggie Burrito ($9.95, with 30% of sales donated); Spinach Enchilada ($11.95, with 30% of sales donated)

Gracie’s Ice Cream (22 Union Square): Pre-packed pints of Chocolate Beet Ice Cream ($6.75, with 50% of sales being donated)

The Independent (75 Union Square): Two Mini Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Farmers Market slaw ($12, with 50% of sales donated)

Juice Union (23 Bow Street): donation of 50% of sales of the “Juice of the Day”

Juliet (257 Washington Street): Farmers Market Salad ($8, with 50% of sales donated)

Open Space Acupuncture (70 Union Square, #102): $5 donation for every new patient seen

River Dog (321 Somerville Avenue): donation of 25% of sales of all West Paw Design dog toys (prices range from $12.99-$19.99)

Somerville Brewing Company (15 Ward Street): $1 donation for every beer flight sold between 11am-3pm

For more information, please visit: https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/2016-union-square-farmers-market-snap-match. Stay up to date with the latest news and offerings by using the hashtag #UnionSquareCares.