Neighborhood Fresh Food Access Initiative
Status: IN PROGRESS
Original Proposal
This proposal provides funds to local organizations to increase access to healthy food in neighborhoods with higher food insecurity rates. Resources will be used to support food pantries, pop-up markets, farmers markets, food vouchers, or refrigerated food distribution.
Budget Breakdown
Total Budget: $500,000
Spent/Committed: $0
Remaining: $500,000
Implementation and Impact
Applications are now closed.
Have more questions?
Visit boston.gov/farmers-market-coupon for a link to the application and FAQ about the program.
The Office of Food Justice is using Participatory Budgeting funds to support their Boston Farmers Market Coupon Program. This initiative boosts residents' purchasing power and supports local farmers by providing coupons for use at 18 neighborhood markets. The program makes fresh, healthy food—produce, protein, and seafood—more accessible to Boston residents.
- Eligible residents applied to receive coupons through a short web application (one per household) and were entered into a randomized lottery.
- Eligibility was based on self-reported age (18+), household income, and Boston residency.
- Selected applicants received coupons and were assigned to a specific partner site for coupon pickup, while all remaining eligible applicants were placed on a waitlist.
