Brookline Farm Launches Free Market to Help Residents Facing SNAP Uncertainty

Allandale Farm in Brookline announced on Facebook on Wednesday, Oct. 29, that it is partnering with The Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain to create a free produce pickup market. The initiative is aimed at helping residents amid uncertainties about SNAP benefits tied to the federal government shutdown.

In addition to The Loring Greenough House, Iggy's Bread of Cambridge announced that it will donate bread to the market.

“We are alarmed that the government shutdown has continued and families are about to lose their SNAP benefits,” the farm stated in the post. “We know that many eligible folks are not receiving SNAP due to the administrative burden, so we will be providing food to any who shows up — no questions asked.”

According to a Boston.com report, the market will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first three Thursdays of November at The Loring Greenough House.

Allandale Farm acknowledged the many food banks, health centers, mutual aid networks, and fellow local farms. In the post, the farm encouraged anyone who wants to contribute monetarily to donate to these organizations to support long-term food security.

Food business affiliates interested in participating in the market can contact the farm by email.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced on Thursday, Oct. 30, the creation of a SNAP resource hub and increased aid to food banks and pantries for November to brace for potential SNAP cuts.

“They are your friends, family, and neighbors,” Healey said in a statement shared with Boston.com. “Massachusetts is a place where people step up when their neighbors are in need, and I want to make sure that people who need help know where to get it, and that those who want to help know what they can do.”