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).

For Farmers Markets to Apply for Market Match Fund Grants

1. Contact the Program Manager to discuss your farmers market's eligibility and interest:
   • Jake Levin, Program Manager
   • Email: jake@berkshireagventures.org
   • Phone: 413.645.3594
2. Confirm service area eligibility: Your farmers market must be located within BAV's service area
3. Discuss unique needs: Every farmers market is unique, so BAV encourages outreach to discuss your specific situation and how the fund can support your market

For SNAP Users to Use Market Match Benefits

1. Visit a Berkshire area farmers market that participates in the Market Match Fund
2. Locate the information tent or table and find the Market Manager
3. Swipe your EBT card to purchase wooden tokens (tokens act as cash at the market)
4. Receive the $1-for-$1 match – up to $30 per visit for a total of $60 to spend
5. Spend tokens at any farm stand selling SNAP-eligible foods
6. Save unused tokens – they don't have an expiration date, but are specific to each market