Every week at our farmers’ markets, something remarkable happens at the market information booth.
Shoppers using SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) can currently double their purchasing power through a simple, dignified process. For example, when someone spends $20 in SNAP benefits, they receive an additional $20 in Market Match dollars to purchase fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers. It’s a win-win: our neighbors facing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious, local food, and small-scale producers grow their customer base and revenue.
In the past few years between $65,000-$80,000 in SNAP and Market Match have been spent by low-income households at our farmers markets and partner farm stands each year. Hundreds of families gain access to nourishing food, while tens of thousands of dollars go directly to hard working local food producers each year. This is food access, community health, and local economy support rolled into one.
New Hampshire consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the country for food. According to Feeding America, more than 135,000 people in our state face food insecurity, including nearly one in eight children. For many households, cost is the biggest barrier to eating more fresh, healthy food. Programs like SNAP and Market Match help close that gap.
Our SNAP and Market Match program is part of Granite State Market Match (GSMM), a statewide initiative led by the New Hampshire Food Bank involving multiple partner organizations. Funding comes from a mix of federal, state, and private sources. Earlier this year, markets across New Hampshire were asked to re-evaluate their incentive programs following an unanticipated reduction in available funding, causing many to limit or pause market matches due to the uncertainty of what funding would be available moving forward.
Thanks to emergency support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Seacoast Eat Local and other markets across the state were able to return to the standard one-to-one match at the end of this past winter season. That support likely helped carry the program into the summer, but it doesn’t guarantee stability for the full season ahead. Many of us expect available incentive funds to run out before the end of the summer market season.
This program has proven to be both powerful and necessary, yet it remains exposed to uncertainty. As local partners in this work, we do not control the broader systems that fund SNAP incentives. What we do see, every day, is how impactful these programs are for the people who rely on them. Families walk away with more food in their bags, and farmers walk away with more money in their pockets. These are the results that motivate us to keep showing up, even when the future feels uncertain.
When we talk about building a more resilient food system, we imagine a future where programs like Market Match aren’t necessary because everyone has access to local and nutritious food. But right now, that’s not the reality we live in. Community-based programs like Market Match help fill critical gaps as we work toward that vision.
Building resilience also means being honest about where we’re vulnerable. This moment has reminded us just how much our local efforts depend on broader systems, many of which fall outside our control. We work hard to keep our programs strong, sustainable, and rooted in community, but resilience requires stable public investment. That’s what makes it possible for these programs to create lasting change.
So what can you do?
Start by spreading the word. If you or someone you know uses SNAP, let them know our matching program is currently available and running strong. If you’re a regular market shopper, take a moment to thank a vendor who accepts SNAP. And if you’re someone who cares deeply about food access, know that your voice and your support help make the case for why programs like this are essential. To stay updated on legislation involving SNAP, follow the NH Food Access Coalition.
Food is a basic human need. The ability to access it shouldn’t be so fragile. If you believe in building a stronger, more equitable food system, please consider offering a gift to Seacoast Eat Local. Every dollar donated strengthens our ability to offer the most impactful programs possible. Give today at seacoasteatlocal.org/donate. If you are interested in making a substantial gift through a donor-advised fund, please contact me at [email protected].
