Waltham Farmers’ Market boosts SNAP match amid rising food insecurity

The Waltham Farmers’ Market increased its weekly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program match from $10 to $15 for the 2026 season as more households across Waltham and Middlesex County struggle to afford food.

Food insecurity has more than doubled across Massachusetts since 2019, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank’s 2026 Massachusetts Food Access Report, “Hunger on the Rise.” The report found that 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2025, while 75% of families receiving SNAP benefits still needed additional food support. 

In Middlesex County, 35% of households experienced food insecurity in 2025, up from 24% in 2024. 

With the match increase, SNAP shoppers purchasing tokens at the market’s information booth will receive an equal amount of free tokens, up to $15 each week until Oct. 31. The tokens can be used to purchase  SNAP-eligible foods throughout the market, including produce, meat, fish, eggs, cheese and bread. 

Amy Meyers, a Waltham Farmers’ Market board member who manages the matching program, said the increase is the first since the match program’s launch in 2012. The program is funded primarily through private donations, while larger grants have accounted for about 30% to 50% of its funding in past years. The market received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status last year, making it eligible for additional grants and sponsorships. 

Meyers said the market’s expanded fundraising opportunities gave organizers confidence to raise the weekly match. 

“We took the leap of faith,” Meyers said. 

She said the market also encourages SNAP shoppers to pair the local match with the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, which returns money to their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards when they buy eligible fruits and vegetables from participating local vendors.  Three market vendors currently accept HIP: Dick’s Market Garden, Heavens Harvest Farm and Sibling Organic Crops. Monthly HIP incentive limits range from $40 to $80, depending on household size. 

The program recently surpassed $100 million in local fruits and vegetables purchased by SNAP households. Mia Kortebain, director of the state’s HIP program, said the milestone marks progress in broadening access to healthy food while investing in the local agricultural economy. 

“Ultimately, HIP breaks down the financial barrier and makes it more possible for SNAP households to afford those local fruits and vegetables from local farms,” Kortebain said. 

Maria DiMaggio, operations director of Healthy Waltham, said the SNAP match increase is a step in the right direction, but more resources are needed as food insecurity rises. Healthy Waltham is a local health and wellness organization that operates food pantries and other programs for residents in need. 

DiMaggio said demand for food assistance has remained elevated since the COVID-19 pandemic, making initiatives like the match program, which expands access to affordable food, even more important.

“There’s a new normal,” DiMaggio added.

To sustain the larger match, the farmers’ market expects to raise 50% more funds this year. The match program is projected to cost $30,000 this year, and the market has set a $15,000 fundraising goal to help cover the increase. So far, it has raised $5,044. Meyers said the organization also plans to apply for additional grants later this year. 

The market is also seeking additional volunteers to help operate the program. Volunteers can contact the farmers’ market through an online form.