Politics & Government
Brookline Awarded Grant To Help Families Access Farmers' Market
The funds will provide 500 residents and their families with coupons to purchase fresh produce and other food products.
BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Department of Public Health has been awarded a $43,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation that will help make the Brookline Farmers' Market more accessible to families in need.
The funds will provide 500 residents and their families with coupons to purchase fresh produce and other food products during the 2021 farmers' market season. Individuals and families of two will receive $40 in coupons and households of three or more will receive $80 in coupons that are valid through October 28.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and exposed health inequities in a number of ways, and this grant will help us to narrow that gap by making the farmers’ market more accessible to lower-income residents,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett in a statement. “We’re thankful for this opportunity and are hopeful that residents in need will take advantage of the chance to have access to the healthy fruits and vegetables this season.”
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Residents who live in Brookline Housing Authority (BHA) sites or whose household income meets federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program. Department of Public Health staff will be scheduling registration dates at the Brookline Senior Center and various BHA sites.
Brookline was one of 18 health departments to receive a grant after participating in the Kresge Foundation’s Emerging Leaders in Public Health program. The grants are part of $2.1 million in funding provided to organizations to assist with COVID-19 recovery and health inequities.
Find out what's happening in Brooklinefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“These local health departments are using an array of practical and innovative solutions to address immediate needs and integrate long-term measures to address inequities in access, information and services in low-income and BIPOC communities,” said Monica Valdes Lupi, Managing Director of Kresge’s Health Program, in a statement.
For more information on the location and times to sign up for the Brookline Farmers' Market program, click here or call 617-730-2295.
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