Union Square Main Streets proudly presents the 6th Annual Good Food For All campaign June 17-24. 

Back for a 6th year, local businesses, farmers market vendors, and community members have teamed up 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, USMS has raised $66,500 to match SNAP dollars, making it possible for more neighbors to participate in and enjoy the bounty of our farmers market. 

Demand for the SNAP match at the Union Square Farmers Market has increased 217% since the beginning of the pandemic. Now, resilient Somerville residents continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 with the recent end of both the USDA’s and Massachusetts’ state funded emergency SNAP allotments. 

The first month of the 2023 season was marked by a 39% increase in participation in the Union Square Farmers Market SNAP. While this increase shows that fresh food continues to be a priority for all neighbors, it also means Good Food For All is even more important than ever.

To support the significantly increased number of 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. 

How does it work?

• Shop, dine, or play at any of the participating local businesses between June 17-24

• 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 return of this campaign for a 6th year is a heartwarming example of what makes the Union Square community so people-centered.” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets, “More than 40 Union Square businesses, market vendors, and sponsors – and scores of individuals – coming together to sustain a more inclusive farmers market is no small thing. It is an expression of the equity-driven values that matter most to many of those who live, play, and work in Union Square.” 

Direct donations to the USFM SNAP match at www.unionsquaremain.org are also encouraged to help meet this year’s fundraising goal of $10,000. 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

• $625 = all the SNAP match funds needed for a typical Saturday farmers market

• $2,500 = SNAP match funds anticipated to be needed for one month

One recipient shared how important the SNAP match is to them saying, “Most of my neighbors only eat canned food because it’s cheap. I keep telling them that fresh food is so much better and will make them feel good, but it’s hard when you can’t afford it. I come to the Union Square Farmers Market every week and use the SNAP match to buy fruits and vegetables. It helps my budget a lot. I’m going to start bringing my neighbors so that they can use it too!”

USMS has provided over $66,500 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 2023 sponsors Liberty Cannabis, Boynton Gateway, All In Consulting, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Somerville Family Dental, Union Leaf, Naveo Credit Union, The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery, Rise Robotics, Union 346 Apartments, USQ, and donors who have already contributed to help sustain the SNAP Match. The Union Square Farmers Market is made possible thanks to generous support from Boynton–Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2023 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.