Even in the face of government funding cuts this past fall and winter, our commitment to food access did not waver. Through a combination of incentive programs, partnerships, and community support, over $72,000 of incentives was spent at our markets and partner sites from November through April, directly benefiting individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to fresh, local food.
Our SNAP/EBT Farmers’ Market Program allows recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, to purchase fresh, healthy, locally grown food at our markets. Since launching this program in 2011, we’ve worked to make it available year-round. In the winter months, SNAP is accepted not only at our Rollinsford and Stratham Farmers’ Markets, but also at our partner locations including Kittery Community Market, Heron Pond Farm, and McKenzie’s Farm. Together, these sites expand access points across our region. This season, $2,120 in SNAP and Market Match was spent at our partner farm stands, and an additional $2,852 in SNAP and Market Match was spent at Kittery Community Market alone. This winter, a total of $3,292 in SNAP benefits was spent at our Rollinsford and Stratham farmers’ markets, directly supporting both community members and local farmers.
For many shoppers, SNAP goes even further thanks to Granite State Market Match. This program doubles the value of SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables, effectively offering participants up to 50% off these purchases. At our Rollinsford and Stratham markets alone, more than $2,000 in Market Match incentives were utilized, helping households bring home more fresh food while increasing sales for local producers.
We were also proud to partner with Vouchers for Veterans, a nonprofit that provides Veterans and active-duty service members in New Hampshire and Maine with vouchers to spend directly with farmers and food producers. they had 3,085 interactions with Veterans accessed, local food at our markets. In total, $61,215 in vouchers were redeemed, supporting 63 local farmers and food producers, while helping to ensure those who have served our country have access to nourishing food.
When the government shutdown impacted many in our community this November, we recognized the immediate need for additional support. In response, we launched Community Bonus Bucks (CBB), a short-term incentive program designed to help bridge that gap. CBB provided $30 in market currency to SNAP recipients as well as furloughed or unpaid federal workers, offering a flexible way to purchase food at our winter markets. Across both locations, $3,255 in Community Bonus Bucks was redeemed.
This work is not done alone! It is made possible by strong partnerships, dedicated vendors who believe in these programs, and a community that shows up and helps spread the word. Together, we are building a more accessible and resilient local food system for all.
Learn More & Get Support
If you’d like to learn more about using SNAP at farmers’ markets, visit:
https://seacoasteatlocal.org/get-involved/
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, you can apply for benefits here:
https://nheasy.nh.gov/#/ or call 1-844-275-3447
Additional resources, including local food pantries, are available: