The Melrose Farmers’ Market is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong, healthy, and vibrant community through local food. Since its founding in 1994, the market has served as a gathering place where residents can connect with local farmers and food producers while supporting the regional food economy.Our mission is to provide equitable access to fresh, locally grown food, support food security through programs such as our SNAP Match, and uplift the small farms and food businesses that sustain our local food system. We cultivate a welcoming, community-centered market that deepens local relationships and creates an inclusive space where everyone can participate.Expanding food access has become an increasingly important part of this work. Since introducing the SNAP Match to our market in 2012, the program has helped increase purchasing power for households using SNAP benefits while directing more dollars to local farmers. As community need has grown, participation in the program has steadily increased.Our goal is to continue strengthening the local food system and ensuring all community members have access to healthy food.