Market Match Fund

Market Match Fund

Purpose: An economic development and food access program designed to provide a consistent, annual funding stream to match customer SNAP benefits at Berkshire-area farmers markets.

Program Description

BAV established the Market Match Fund in Spring 2022 as the first centralized fund in the region to support SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) matching at farmers markets.

How It Works:

Provides a $1-for-$1 SNAP match up to $30

SNAP users receive $60 total to spend at partner farmers markets

Customers receive market tokens/wooden tokens equal to their SNAP withdrawal amount, matched dollar-for-dollar by the market

Tokens can be spent on SNAP-eligible products:

- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and dairy
- Baked goods
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Edible seeds & plants

Program Goals

1. Make locally grown and produced food consistently more affordable for food-insecure, SNAP-eligible households in the region
2. Increase revenue opportunities for local farmers and food producers to expand and vitalize the regional food economy
3. Support efficiency and capacity of local farmers markets by centralizing how Market Match funding is raised and distributed across Berkshire County

Significance

BAV views the Market Match Fund as a vehicle for economic development and reliable, local food access. The program:

Makes SNAP dollars stretch further

Makes locally produced food more accessible to people with limited income

Provides reassurance to SNAP customers that their budget will be used effectively

Sends a message to low-income shoppers that "This farmers market is for you"

Creates significant business growth opportunities for farmers and food producers

Brings more customers and food dollars to markets

Contributes to the economic viability of small- and mid-sized farms

Levels the playing field of who can afford local foods

Geographic Scope

Partner Farmers Markets in Berkshire Area (as of 2025):

Stockbridge, MA (Wednesday, 3pm-6pm)

West Stockbridge, MA (Thursday, 3pm-6pm)

Sheffield, MA (Friday, 3pm-6pm)

North Adams, MA (Saturday, 9am-1pm)

Williamstown, MA (Saturday, 9am-1pm)

Pittsfield, MA (Saturday, 9am-1pm)

Great Barrington, MA (Saturday, 9am-1pm)

Lee, MA (Saturday, 10am-2pm)

New Milford, CT (Saturday, 9am-12pm)

Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Market (Saturday, November-April, 1x per month, 10am-1pm in Housatonic, MA; and Sunday, Nov. 23 & Dec. 21, 10am-1pm in North Adams, MA)

Eligibility

For SNAP Users: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligible individuals and families

For Farmers Markets: Farmers markets within BAV's service area can apply for Market Match Fund grants

Funding

BAV raises funds for Market Match year-round. Every spring, a special public campaign raises funds from the local community. The program is supported by foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.

Contact

Jake Levin, Program Manager

Email: jake@berkshireagventures.org

Organization: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures

Address: 4 Castle Street, Suite 215, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Phone: 413.645.3594

Additional Information

What SNAP Is: A federal nutrition assistance program that provides benefits to supplement the food budget of low-income individuals and families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).