Williamstown Farmers Market gets $2,000 Grant
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures has awarded a $2,000 grant to the Williamstown Farmers Market, one of ten grants totaling more than $100,000 to farmers markets in the region.
Grants from the Market Match Fund allow these markets to match Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits up to $30, giving SNAP recipients up to $60 to purchase fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, breads and baked goods, seeds and edible plants. These grants are designed to increase access to fresh, local food for low-income families while increasing sales for local farmers.
"The Williamstown Farmers Market is thrilled to have received this grant," said Market Manager Leslie Reed-Evans. "We’ve made equitable food access a priority this year, having just implemented SNAP acceptance at the market. Matching dollars for SNAP purchases provides EBT card holders an opportunity to increase their buying power, while at the same time boosting the sales of vendors. We are most grateful for BAV's investment."
Other markets that have received grants, each based on the needs and capacity of the market, include those in Great Barrington, Lee, North Adams, Pittsfield, Sheffield, West Stockbridge, Copake-Hillsdale, Millerton, and New Lebanon.
Market Match Fund grants are made possible with support from Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Food Co-op, The Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Guardian Life Insurance, The Donald C. McGraw Foundation, The Whitehead Foundation, Wild Oats Market, and a number of generous individuals.
Tags: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Williamstown Farmers Market,
