Food Access at the Melrose Farmers’ Market
The Melrose Farmers’ Market is committed to making fresh, local food accessible to everyone in our community. We are proud to be the only site in Melrose authorized to accept HIP benefits. We partner closely with The Food Drive, a local nonprofit that provides food support throughout the community and rescues unsold food after each market to distribute to families in need.
Join us for two special market dates to learn more about food security:
July 30th: Healthy Living & Food Access Day
Gain resources and education to help your family eat well and stretch your food budget. Meet local organizations, learn about SNAP, HIP, and WIC programs, and pick up tips for cooking fresh, healthy food at home.
October 8th: Food Security Awareness Day
Join us to raise awareness and support for food security in our community! Meet local organizations, learn about ongoing resources like SNAP, HIP, and WIC, and contribute to our fall food drive to help families in need as the season changes.
Use SNAP Benefits at the Market
Our SNAP Match program doubles SNAP dollars — up to $10 per week! Bring your EBT card to the Market Table to receive Market Bucks, which can be used to make purchases with our food vendors.
Staff will swipe your card and deduct the amount purchased from your SNAP account.
We will then double that amount, up to $10 per week. For example: if you swipe $10, you receive $20 in Market Bucks; if you swipe $8, you receive $8.
Market Bucks do not expire and can be used week to week.
Market Match Money issued in 2026 expires on December 31, 2026.
Learn more about SNAP Benefits
Use HIP Benefits at the Market (Healthy Incentives Program)
Use your EBT card to purchase fresh produce directly from our HIP-authorized vendors: Oakdale Farms, Moonlight Farm, and Dick’s Market Gardens. The amount of the sale is automatically and instantly reimbursed.
Each household who receives SNAP automatically receives $40–$80 per month for HIP.
We recommend using HIP benefits before using SNAP benefits to ensure funds are available.
Learn more about HIP Benefits
Other Accepted Programs
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons