PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is awarding over $205,000 to help farmers markets grow and expand their outreach to consumers. 

 

MDAR is awarding funding to 23 organizations representing 31 farmers markets through the Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program. The new program provides funding to organizations that operate farmers markets to enhance their marketing, promotion, consumer education, planning and infrastructure efforts.

 

In Berkshire County:

"Farmers markets have been around for centuries and have embedded themselves into the fabric of our culture, heritage, and economy," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Many Massachusetts farmers' income comes from direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets and other venues. It's critical that we help promote and support our local entrepreneurs to foster a more equitable food system. These grants will go a long way to ensuring our farmers markets continue to thrive for years to come."

 

Many farmers markets in Massachusetts participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which all serve low-income communities by providing them with increased access to fresh produce. Additionally, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a highly popular seasonal, annual program that provides low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and honey from Massachusetts farmers. Every year, coupons are spent at over 300 farmers markets and farmstands across the state.

 

More than 220 summer/fall farmers markets operated in 2023, with 49 winter farmers markets opening over this past winter in Massachusetts. Consumers looking for a farmers market location near them can visit MDAR's MassGrown map at www.mass.gov/massgrown.