Summer Bounty

Summer in New England is a glorious time!  The days are longer and the city is buzzing with outdoor activities (check out this link for more information: http://www.cityofboston.gov/summer/).  I enjoy seeing farmers' markets become part of the cityscapes and having the opportunity to pick the freshest produce directly from the source. 

Our local farmers bring the best of their harvest to convenient locations around the city making it easy for city dwellers to get nutritious, locally-grown food.  Unfortunately, many of our neighbors can not afford to visit farmers' markets for their purchases.  This summer, however, a partnership between The Food Project and the City of Boston is making fresh produce available (and affordable!) to individuals and families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.  Now, more than 82,000 SNAP participants in Boston can access the bounty of the New England summer using their EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card at over 20 farmers' markets in the city.  To make the summer even better, all purchases made with SNAP benefits are matched up to $10.

How it works

• Visit any farmer at a participating farmers' market and make your selections.
• Farmers will total your purchase and provide a bill. (Farmers will hold items until you return.)
• Take the bill and your EBT card to the Market Information Table.
• For purchases up to $20, your EBT card will be debited for half the cost.
• For purchases over $20, your EBT card will be debited for the total cost minus $10.
• The Market Manager will give you Boston Bounty Bucks equal to the amount of your purchase.
• Give these to the farmer to pay for your purchase.
• Boston Bounty Bucks must be used at the market where they were issued.
• Enjoy your food!

For information, visit: http://thefoodproject.org/bountybucks

As featured in the Boston Globe

Enjoy the summer!