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Shop the Square Saturdays at a Market with a $15 SNAP Match

Union Square Main Streets celebrates the opening of the 19th season of the Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza, and will be open rain or shine each Saturday through October 28.

Since 2005, shoppers from all over Greater Boston have filled their reusable bags with high quality, fresh, nutrient-dense foods from local vendors at the Union Square Farmers Market. This annual neighborhood event continues to serve as a catalyst for vibrancy, economic opportunity, and community connection in Union Square, Somerville.

“The Union Square Farmers Market’s been celebrated for its ‘bump factor’ for 19 years,” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets, the nonprofit who produces the market. “The ‘bump factor’ is when neighbors meet one another by simply sharing positive experiences in public while in close proximity. With thousands of neighbors beginning to fill new buildings in Union Square, this season’s sure to be bumping! What better place for new neighbors to meet the unique and dynamic neighbors and businesses that make Union such a spirited spot. We and the independently-owned farms and specialty vendors who make our market ‘the community’s living room’ on Saturdays are honored to help nourish – and connect – our community.”

Thousands of shoppers including award-winning chefs, local business leaders, and neighbors near and far make Union Square Farmers Market a delectable destination each Saturday during the 25-week season. Returning to pre-pandemic scope, 50+ local farms and food producers welcome shoppers with open arms, cooking tips, and recipe suggestions, creating a culinary community where all are welcome.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers are valued customers at Union Square Farmers Market. The market is proud to serve a critical role in Somerville’s food security system by offering a dollar-for-dollar SNAP match up to $15 per market. While providing SNAP customers with a match has been a priority for the market since it opened in 2005, it is thanks to a partnership with the City of Somerville and the Somerville Farmers Market Coalition (in collaboration with Mass Farmers Markets, Somerville Winter Farmers Market, and Somerville Mobile Farmers Market) and customers investing in their neighborhood through the annual Good Food For All campaign that has sustained this important community resource year after year.

Union Square Farmers Market proudly boasts that businesses as local as Somerville itself round out the vendor roster. With businesses such as Somerville Arts Council’s Nibble Kitchen, Chappy’s Pickles, Deano’s Pasta, Tex Mex Eats, and True Grounds, customers can eat easily knowing their dollars will directly benefit Somerville’s local economy.

While at the market, customers will be right at the doorsteps of some of the most historic, diverse, and popular businesses in Somerville and the Greater Boston Area. Customers are encouraged to grab a friend or family member to make each Saturday a “Shop the Square Saturday,” and visit local businesses before or after they stop in.

These elements in particular resonate with the 2023 Union Square Farmers Market Season Sponsor, Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project.

“Boynton Yards proudly renews its commitment in 2023 as a social impact partner with Union Square Main Streets in supporting the Farmers Market.” said John Fenton, managing partner of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, on behalf of the Boynton Yards development team. “Together with USMS, Boynton Yards continues to see the power of a strong community partnership, creating inclusive opportunity, social vibrancy and connection to delicious locally grown produce.”

The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible for a fourth year thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2023 Season Sponsor; the City of Somerville; and donors who contribute to help make the SNAP Match possible.

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.