Our purpose is to provide direct access to farmers and food products for residents of the MetroWest area. Through SNAP Match and HIP we help extend the buying power for these shoppers, and use the Framingham Farmers Market vendors to help educate about healthier food options for individuals and families. HIP funding has been undergoing transition in Massachusetts recently and can't be relied on tothe same extent as in the past making our SNAP Match that much more a critical support tool for shoppers. Our weekly 12 food trucks help bring in an audience that doesn't usually shop at a farmers market, and community service booths and the Framingham Public Library's Bookmobile provide many other reasons for people to make this market a regular part of their week. Framingham has a wide mix of populations with a significant number in the food insecure category. The Framingham Farmers Market is owned by the City of Framingham and the Mayor's Office uses economic development funds to waive the vendor space fees, enabling these small businesses to have direct access to the community with every dollar earned into their pocket. We have 248 'approved' vendors last season including farms, bakeries, food-related products like spices, jams and sauces, many crafters and artisans and a wide selection of community groups. In 2025 90-105 vendors take part weekly. In 2026 we hope to double our SNAP-using population, through this grant.