A COVID-Conscious Market with a $15 SNAP Match

Union Square Main Streets kicks off the 18th season of the Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville this Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This season the Market returns to its longtime location on the Union Square Plaza, and will be open rain or shine each Saturday through October 29. 

Since 2005, the Union Square Farmers Market has helped shoppers fill their homes with top-quality, fresh, local food while serving as a catalyst for vibrancy, economic opportunity, and neighborhood connection. 

Starting on May 14, this COVID-conscious market will feature a masked shopping hour from 9-10am. Everyone is welcome to shop during this time period, but masks will be required to enter the market area. After 10am masks are strongly encouraged, but not required. 

“The Union Square Farmers Market has held a special place in the hearts and bellies of many Somervillians for 18 years,” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets, the nonprofit who produces the market. “With the Green Line now providing service to and from Union Square, it’s exciting to think of visitors who will discover the market for the first time, then brunch or lunch throughout the Square. Sharing our neighborhood traditions with more people throughout the greater Boston region brings much pride and joy to all who make the market possible.”  

The Union Square Farmers Market is a destination for award-winning chefs, scores of shoppers, and customers vulnerable to food insecurity creating a deep source of community. The market is also a critical marketplace for ~30 local farms and food producers including Somerville businesses such as Tasting Counter, Deano’s Pasta, Hooked Fish Shop, Somerville Arts Council’s Nibble Kitchen, Tex Mex Eats, and Mahalab Bakery. These elements in particular resonate with the 2022 Union Square Farmers Market Season Sponsor, Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project.  

“The remarkable social impact that the Farmers Market and other USMS events continue to have on Somerville families continue to draw us in as a partner,” said John Fenton, managing partner of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, on behalf of the Boynton Yards development team. “USMS was the first nonprofit we supported upon our arrival to Somerville, and we look forward to continuing our commitment for years to come.”

The market also plays a critical role in Somerville’s food security system, having provided SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) customers with a match since its creation in 2005. Through a partnership with City of Somerville and the Somerville Farmers Market Coalition (in collaboration with Mass Farmers Markets, Somerville Winter Farmers Market, and Somerville Mobile Farmers Market), the dollar-for-dollar SNAP match up to $15 per market is available again this year. This is thanks to a Somerville Community Development Block Grant, which continues a city-wide SNAP match for a third year. 

While there is still emphasis on gathering safely, for the first time in two years, the Market is once again a place for the community to gather. Additionally, the intrinsic link between the Union Square Farmers Market and Somerville’s local economy remains strong. Shoppers should share pride supporting independent food producers in convenient proximity to nearby Square businesses who continue to anchor the neighborhood.

The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible for a third year thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2022 Season Sponsor; a Somerville Community Development Block Grant; and donors who contribute to help make the SNAP Match possible, including 2022 Good Food For All presenting sponsor Liberty Cannabis. 

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.