Boston Public Market to Accept Food Stamps

Mayor Walsh called the announcement a 'defining moment for food accessibility in the City of Boston.'

Boston Public Market

Photo by Olga Khvan

Boston Public Market, the nation’s only locally-sourced yearlong market, will participate in the city’s “Boston Bounty Bucks” program, making SNAP-eligible goods produced by its 37 farmers, fishermen, and food producers available to those enrolled in the program.

Boston Bounty Bucks—funded by the City of Boston and the Boston Collaborative for Food and Fitness, and private interests—will provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10 a day, for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) customers shopping at the BPM, which opened last week.

“This is a defining moment for food accessibility in the City of Boston,” Mayor Marty Walsh said in a release. “Not only will this partnership increase access to healthy, fresh food for Boston residents, but it will also stimulate our local economy while supporting area farmers.”

Through Boston Bounty Bucks, customers can swipe their EBT cards at the BPM, as well as its two seasonal farmers markets, and receive coupons redeemable at participating farmers markets across the city.

“At the Boston Public Market, ensuring accessibility to fresh food for all customers is a critical priority,” BPM CEO Liz Morningstar said. “We’re proud to accept Boston Bounty Bucks in the Public Market five days a week, 12 hours a day. Our seasonal farmers markets have participated in the program for years, and we are happy to be a part of its continued growth.”