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March 31, 2010

Farmers market gets grant for equipment

By Tom Dalton

SALEM — The farmers market, which drew almost 40,000 people last year, will open its door even wider this year.

The state awarded a $2,500 grant to the Salem market for equipment that will allow low-income residents to buy produce from local farmers. Shoppers who participate in the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps) can use their cards to obtain tokens that can be used at farm stands.

"We're really excited," said Salem Main Streets manager Jennifer Bell. "We wanted to make our market more accessible to people who use these cards ... and this is a fantastic way to try it out."

The Beverly farmers market received a similar grant.

The grants will be used to purchase or rent the equipment and to run promotional programs.

Salem Main Streets applied for the funds several months ago.

"We just don't have the money to buy all this equipment," Bell said. "We wouldn't be able to have it without this grant."

The Salem farmers market is holding a fundraiser Monday, April 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sixty2 on Wharf, a restaurant on Pickering Wharf. The $20 tickets are available at the restaurant or at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex St.

This year's market is scheduled to open in June.

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