June 11, 2019 submitted by Linda Luke
The Friends of the Hingham Farmers Market and The Fruit Center Marketplace are proud to announce that The Fruit Center is now the HFM’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) matching partner. This means that the HFM can continue to supplement its SNAP customers’ purchases up to $15 per week when they buy fruit, produce, fish, eggs, chicken, beef, bread, and other qualifying food products at the market.
“The Fruit Center Marketplace is delighted to sponsor the SNAP Matching Program for this season. We make every effort to support our local organizations and food community throughout the year. Partnering with the Hingham Farmers Market is an ideal way to support our local food vendors and the many customers who enjoy the market,” said Michael Dwyer of The Fruit Center Marketplace.
It may surprise readers to know that food insecurity is a concern of many local residents, meaning that theylack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.In fact, the federally-funded SNAP program at the Hingham Farmers Market is used every single week.
“The Fruit Center has been a long-standing supporter of the Hingham Farmers Market, and this funding means that we can continue our popular matching program for the 2019 season. The HFM cannot thank The Fruit Center enough for its support of our efforts. We know what a difference this makes in people’s lives and are so grateful for this partnership. The Fruit Center is a valued local institution and has been a big part of the Hingham Square shopping area for over 40 years,” said Linda Luke, HFM’s vice-president.
The Hingham Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM until Thanksgiving at The Hingham Bathing Beach on route 3A.
I just had tan amazing experience at the Fruit Center. Got my groceries, but went I looked for my credit cards – I forgot them. So I asked that meats and other high end stuff be put back and I apologized. Also forgot to bring shopping bags into the store (this has been a tough week!)
When I got back the cashier told me that the woman next in line had paid for my groceries – she had “paid if forward”… We talked and said we might meet at the farmer’s market. Perhaps I can return the kindness. But here is the best part: Denise, our cashier said that listening to us had made her day. So there is kindness, there is caring and Hingham is wonderful place to live.