Back for a fifth year, local businesses, farmers market vendors, and community members have teamed up again for this week-long, community campaign to raise awareness and funds for the local SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the successor to Food Stamps) match available at the Union Square Farmers Market.

Since 2005, Union Square Main Streets (USMS) has fundraised to match SNAP dollars, making it possible for more eligible households to participate in their farmers market. Since 2020, demand for the Union Square Farmers Market SNAP match has increased by 218% as resilient residents continue to endure devastating pandemic impacts. Although life has begun to return to normal, the lasting impacts of the pandemic mean that food insecurity is still affecting many families. 

To support neighbors struggling with food security throughout Somerville, USMS invites members of the community to come to the table to help ensure that all people have access to fresh, local food as USMS serves this significantly increased number of SNAP recipients at the Union Square Farmers Market. 

How does it work?

• Shop, dine, or play at any of the participating local businesses between June 18-25

• Purchase their featured item or promotion (find details here)

• Participating businesses then donate proceeds  

• Every Saturday at the Union Square Farmers Market, SNAP customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $15, for healthy, fresh, local food

“The Union Square businesses, market vendors, individuals, and sponsors who join in this campaign are essential to sustaining a more inclusive farmers market and to telling the story of Union Square in Somerville,” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets. “This caliber of cross-community collaboration is a powerful example of our city’s values and what makes our neighborhood of businesses and people the place that so many love and where so many want to be.” 

Direct donations to the USFM 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:

• $15 = one SNAP match for one family

• $60 = SNAP match for one family for one month

• $150 = one SNAP match for ten families

• $500 = all the SNAP match funds needed for a typical Saturday farmers market

• $2,000 = SNAP match funds anticipated to be needed for one month

One recipient shared how important the SNAP match is to them saying, “The match is so important because the doubling helps your benefits go twice as far. Then, you can get good fresh food, not what you find in the grocery store. The Union Square Farmers Market (USFM) is the most welcoming of the local markets for SNAP customers. Most of the vendors take SNAP, which shows how committed USFM is to inclusivity.”

Upon increasing their support which makes such an impact possible, Rabbi James Kahn executive director of Liberty Cannabis Cares explained, “Liberty Cannabis is honored to continue supporting the Good Food For All campaign. Since opening our doors in 2018, we have been inspired by the Somerville community and its commitment to living its values. Our dedication to making cannabis a force for good has led to partnerships with great local organizations like Union Square Main Streets. Working together, we can help keep Somerville strong, vibrant, inclusive, and healthy.” 

USMS has provided over $52,300 matching SNAP-payments to help thousands of individuals access high-quality, fresh, locally-grown food since 2005, thanks to the generosity of Good Food For All participants. 

Good Food For All is made possible by its 2022 presenting sponsor Liberty Cannabis as well as East Cambridge Savings Bank, Boynton Gateway, Union Leaf, Union 346 Apartments, Naveo Credit Union, and donors who have already contributed to help make the SNAP Match possible. The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2022 Season Sponsor. 

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.