Why Support Farmers Market Vouchers Matters More than Ever

by Freddy Soza

As a new federal budget proposal threatens to slash $187 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade, millions of Americans could soon face greater barriers to putting food on the table. These cuts won’t just impact individuals—they will affect local economies, farmers, small businesses, and communities that depend on SNAP dollars to survive.

This is not a distant problem—it’s a local crisis in the making! According to Meeting the Moment: SNAP Cuts and the Local Fallout by Peter Ciurczak (Boston Indicators, September 2, 2025), Lawrence has the highest SNAP participation rate in Greater Boston, with 41% of residents receiving benefits. In fact, at our Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) Farmers Markets, 92% of customers use SNAP and HIP to purchase healthy, locally grown food. These programs are essential, and cuts at the federal level would directly jeopardize food access for thousands of families in our city.

Farmers Markets are a lifeline—not a luxury! At GWL, we know that farmers markets, beyond a point of access to locally grown healthy food, are critical access points for nutrition, dignity, and opportunity. Through SNAP, the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and our market voucher program, we’re helping families stretch their food budgets and make healthier choices—while also supporting local farmers and food producers. HIP, in particular, offers a crucial boost, subsidizing the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables based on household size. It’s a win-win for families and for our local food economy.

Making Healthy Food Affordable: The Impact of Vouchers

This year alone, we’ve distributed: 1,400 $15 Farmer Market vouchers. These vouchers reduce financial barriers for those who need it most, including: Seniors, veterans, and low-income households served by local food pantries. By working with a wide range of community partners—from senior centers and libraries to veteran services and community based organizations—we’re reaching people where they are and making healthy food more accessible.

As we look to the future, we know there’s urgency—and opportunity—for growth. We’re planning to expand voucher distribution to programs serving students and families, recognizing that food literacy and healthy habits start young. In addition, we’re working to strengthen connections with community-based health centers to tailor our market vouchers into produce prescriptions—a model that recognizes healthy food as essential to chronic disease prevention and overall wellness, building stronger links between health care, food access, and community well-being.

Supporting food access at the farmers market isn’t just a transaction, every voucher redeemed:

• Supports a local farmer
• Nourishes a family in need
• Strengthens the local economy
• Promotes health and dignity

As food costs rise and assistance programs face major cuts, your support is more important than ever. We invite our supporters, donors, businesses, policymakers, and community member, to help! Support farmers market voucher programs! Donate, spread the word, or partner with us to ensure that fresh, local, healthy food is accessible to all!