Brookline farm starts free farmers market as SNAP shutdown nears

Local News

The farmers market will be open on the first three Thursdays in November at the Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain.

A Brookline farm is starting a free farmers market in response to the ongoing government shutdown threatening SNAP benefits.

Allandale Farm announced Wednesday on Facebook that it had partnered with the historic Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain to set up a free produce pickup program. Iggy’s Bread in Cambridge will also donate bread to the market, according to the post.

“We are alarmed that the government shutdown has continued and families are about to lose their SNAP benefits,” the farm said. “We know that many eligible folks are not receiving SNAP due to the administrative burden, so we will be providing food to any who show up – no questions asked.”

The farmers market will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first three Thursdays in November at the Loring Greenough House, according to the farm.

The farm also thanked a plethora of food banks, health centers, mutual aid networks, and fellow local farms. In the post, they encouraged anyone who wants to contribute monetarily to donate to these organizations.

“While we partner with food rescue organizations throughout the year, we decided to do more because of the greater uncertainty and incredible struggles our communities are facing,” the farm said in the post. “We strongly encourage folks to support organizations doing food justice work long term instead of us and to connect directly with neighbors who are struggling right now.”

Food business affiliates who wish to participate in the market can email the farm at [email protected].

To prepare for the loss of federal food assistance, Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday the launch of a new SNAP resource hub and help site. The Commonwealth will also double its aid to food banks and pantries in November, according to Healey.

“They are your friends, family and neighbors,” Healey said. “Massachusetts is a place where people step up when their neighbors are in need, and I want to make sure that people who need help know where to get it, and that those who want to help know what they can do.”