Neighborhood Fresh Food Access Initiative
Status: In Progress
Original Proposal
This proposal provides funds to local organizations to increase access to healthy food in neighborhoods with higher food insecurity rates. Resources will be used to support food pantries, pop-up markets, farmers markets, food vouchers, or refrigerated food distribution.
Budget Breakdown
Total Budget: $500,000
Spent/Committed:
Remaining: $500,000
Implementation and Impact
The Office of Food Justice is using Participatory Budgeting funds to support their Boston Farmers Market Coupon Program. This initiative boosts residents' purchasing power and supports local farmers by providing coupons for use at 18 neighborhood markets. The program makes fresh, healthy food—produce, protein, and seafood—more accessible to Boston residents.
Applications are open from June 8, until June 28! Eligible residents can apply to receive coupons through a short web application (one per household) and will enter into a randomized lottery. Eligibility will be based on self-reported age (18+), household income, and Boston residency. Selected applicants will receive coupons and be assigned to a specific partner site for coupon pickup, while all remaining eligible applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
Residents can apply in 3 ways:
- Online: Apply directly online at boston.gov/farmers-market-coupon
- In-Person Enrollment Assistance Sites: These sites will be responsible for helping residents apply in person, answer any questions about the program, and have staff that can speak one or more of the threshold languages of the City of Boston. Note: BPL will be supporting residents who show up at a branch with applying as staff capacity allows.
- Phone Line: Residents can call 3-1-1 if they need assistance. This option will have interpretation assistance for residents.
Have more questions?
Visit boston.gov/farmers-market-coupon for a link to the application and FAQ about the program.
