Union Square Main Streets proudly presents the 7th Annual Good Food For All campaign June 22 – 29. Back for a 7th 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 more than $83,000 to match SNAP dollars, making it possible for more neighbors to participate in and enjoy the bounty of our Farmers Market.

How much does this matter? During the 2010 Union Square Farmers Market season, the market issued $164 in SNAP and match per market. In the 2023 season, the average SNAP and match issued per market was $1,562, which represents an 852% increase.

This season, demand for the match increased 23% in just the first month. 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 22-29
• Purchase their featured item or promotion
• 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.

“Supporting neighbors and prioritizing inclusive public spaces matter a lot to our community, making the 7th year of this campaign a hallmark here.” said Jessica Eshleman, executive director of Union Square Main Streets. “Dozens of generous Square businesses, market vendors, and sponsors – as well as a wide array of individuals – coming together to sustain a more inclusive farmers market is an inspiring expression of the equity-driven values that keep Union a welcoming place for all.”

Direct donations to the USFM SNAP match at www.unionsquaremain.org are also encouraged to help meet this year’s fundraising goal of $25,000. 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
• $800 = all the SNAP match funds needed for a typical Saturday farmers market
• $3,200 = SNAP match funds anticipated to be needed for one month

“Hutchins Farm is very proud to be a long time SNAP match program participant. We signed up long ago as a way to ensure that there were less barriers to shopping with us,” said Liza Bemis, owner of USFM vendor Hutchins Farm. “We are proud of how thoughtful Union Square Main Streets’ market management has been around inclusion, including finding translators! The SNAP match program has greatly increased our ability to provide fresh produce to the Union Square Community.” One recipient shared how important the SNAP match is to them saying, “Having the SNAP match gave me the opportunity to eat more nutrient-dense foods which greatly improved my health and inspired me to start volunteering with local farms. Coming to the market has made both my physical and mental health much stronger. I’m grateful that the market and vendors have prioritized the SNAP match to make it more inclusive for me.”

Good Food For All is made possible by its 2024 sponsors East Cambridge Savings Bank, Eversource, Somerville Family Dental, Union 346, The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery, Naveo Credit Union, USQ, and donors who have already contributed to help sustain the SNAP Match [3]. The Union Square Farmers Market [6] is made possible thanks to generous support from Boynton Yards, a DLJ and Leggat McCall Project, its 2024 Season Sponsor.

Learn more about Good Food For All at https://www.unionsquaremain.org/good-food-for-all.

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.