Dear Maine Farmers’ Market Community,
We need your help. At the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM), we believe that nourishing, quality food should be available for everyone. Through our Maine Harvest Bucks program, low-income Mainers from all walks of life can enjoy nutritious, delicious local food directly from the farmers’ market.
Right now, we need to raise $25,000 for the Maine Harvest Bucks Fund. 100% of your donation will go directly into the hands of the most vulnerable Mainers.
How does it work?
Maine Harvest Bucks is a public health program that doubles the value of federal SNAP* dollars. When shoppers spend their SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets, they earn bonus Maine Harvest Bucks, empowering them to fill their baskets with fresh fruits, vegetables, and even seedlings to grow their own food. People eat well, farmers get paid directly, and grocery budgets stay in the local economy. Win-win-win!
As the cost of living soars, our neighbors need us. In response to reduced federal benefits, MFFM is reinstating a 100% Maine Harvest Bucks match, for now. This effectively doubles shoppers’ buying power when they use their benefits at farmers’ markets. That’s why we’re raising $25,000 this month to make this all happen!
Consider:
- Last year, more than 15,000 Mainers used Maine Harvest Bucks to access local, fresh food.
- MHB shoppers live in all 16 counties, from Presque Isle to Kittery and Stonington to Farmington.
- In the last two years, MHB has brought over $1 million in sales to Maine farmers!
- The financial threshold to qualify for SNAP is an income of less than $38,000 before taxes, and less than $2,001 in the bank for a 2-adult household.
- SNAP benefits are only supplemental: In Maine, participants receive about $100/month per person according to 2019 data.
Your donation to MFFM helps us cultivate a stronger, more resilient local food system that benefits hungry Mainers, farmers, and communities all across Maine.
Donate via the button below and please help us spread the word! Keep an eye out for this fundraiser on social media, too. If you’re interested in learning more about MFFM, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you for your essential support,
Jimmy DeBiasi
Director, Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets