Newsletter 2023 V2 Article - Farmer's Market Season
Spring is here, which brings visions of gardens in bloom, and the fresh local produce to arrive in the coming months. Unfortunately, we know that food insecurity is a major issue for many communities at this time, especially with the recent end to the boosted benefits portion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Below are a few resources to help everyone save money, and boost access to fresh, local produce this spring and summer.
Farmer’s Markets and CSA Farm Shares
Local farmer’s markets bring farmers to an accessible location to sell their produce on a weekly basis, making heading to the farmer’s market as easy as a trip to your local store. Participating in a CSA Farm Share guarantees you a share of a local farmer’s crop, and often requires traveling to the farm to pick up your produce. Both of these ways of accessing local food may save you money, as you’re purchasing directly from the farmers, who can put their profits to good use growing our food. Find a local farmers market or CSA Farm Share opportunity.
Healthy Incentives Program
Those who utilize SNAP may use their benefits at the farmer’s markets through the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP.) HIP puts money back on an EBT card when SNAP is used to buy local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors, up to $40, $60, or $80 a month depending on household size. Find a HIP vendor here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Match
UMassFive supports a SNAP Matching Program through Grow Food Northampton (GFN.) This program takes place at the Grow Food Northampton Tuesday Markets, and provides those using their SNAP benefits with a match of up to $10 per market. This turns $10 into $20 of purchase power, which many use as a supplement to their HIP benefits.
UMassFive 0% Farm Share Loan
Qualified applicants are able to finance the cost of their CSA Farm Share and spread the payments over 6 months with no interest! This loan is a way to access the fresh produce you want every week without the burden of paying for it all up front. Without any interest, it’s an easy way to keep your credit score healthy too! Click here to view more details and to apply!
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