In the wake of federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Healey-Driscoll administration is recognizing the role that farmers markets play in strengthening the local food system, supporting family farms and increasing access to fresh food by declaring Aug. 3 to Aug. 9 to be Massachusetts Farmers Market Week.
“Farmers markets support small and mid-sized farms that depend on direct-to-consumer sales,” state Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle said in a statement. “These markets are where growers earn a fair price for their products and where families can build relationships with farmers to learn more about how their food is grown. They are a powerful tool for strengthening both food access and the agricultural economy.”
Farmers markets across Franklin County accept Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits, a program that matches SNAP money spent on local produce, thus furthering residents’ ability to access healthy food. Manager Rachel Gonzalez said at least 50 people use HIP benefits at the Orange Farmers Market, held Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at Butterfield Park.
“It just helps people,” she said. “I love to see that people can have local produce that is grown right in their neighborhood.”
At the Great Falls Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Peskeompskut Park in Turners Falls, about 10 to 15 families pay with HIP, according to Assistant Manager Annabel Levine. Manager Jenny Harrison also hands out resource guides detailing local food pantries and free meals programs.
Harrison’s commitment to curbing food insecurity came from firsthand experience. Growing up in poverty, Harrison said she struggled to find enough food to feed herself.
“People should not go hungry. It seems so basic,” she said. “We need to find solutions for this.”
In Peskeompskut Park, Harrison added, the farmers market is “right in the heart of town,” making it an accessible gathering place where people who may not have transportation can pick up seasonal vegetables, fruit, beef, pork and eggs.
By drawing more visitors, Bernardston Farmers Market Manager Gloria Meluleni said HIP “benefits the farmers market and us.”
“It’s a win-win,” she added.
But the farmers market managers believe visitors attend for more than just food and crafts.
“It’s a very social event,” Gonzalez said. When she sees a stranger at her own smoothie booth, she inquires, “Have you ever had these smoothies?” If a visitor shakes their head, she hands them a sample with ingredients straight from her garden, including kale, purple cauliflower and blueberries.
After moving to Turners Falls from Vermont, Harrison first sold her crochet art at the Great Falls Farmers Market to make friends and find her place in town, a decision that she said has paid off for her.
“I go to the store and I run into somebody. I go for a walk and I run into somebody,” Harrison said. “I was seeing and making those community connections and learning about my community at the farmers market.”
For a map of farmers market locations and hours across the state, visit massfarmersmarkets.org/markets.
