GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Agriculture Ventures has started its 2025 Market Match campaign to aid federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program users.

 

"It's a program that's sole existence is to support SNAP matching programs in our area farmers markets," communications and development manager Audrey Hackett said.

 

This financial assistance plays a role in bolstering food equity and ensuring that all community members have access to fresh, local, and nutrient-dense food.

 

Through the economic development and food access program, funding is provided to farmers markets to enhance the effectiveness of SNAP benefits throughout the Berkshire-Taconic region. The grants enable a $1-for-$1 SNAP match program, doubling the purchasing power of SNAP at participating farmers markets.

 

"When people who are SNAP users go to farmers markets they have a certain amount that they can spend on fresh local food. The national program called Market Match doubles that amount which is wonderful," Hackett said. "So if you go to the market with $30, now you, through your SNAP benefits, have $60 to spend and you can probably access more expensive products like dairy, meat, and cheese."

 

BAV launched the Market Match fund in 2022 to support and grow SNAP benefits and raise money year round. The donation drive started in April and this year's goal is $30,000.

 

This year is more important than ever because of federal cuts made to local programs and farmers.