Supporting Each Other This Season: SNAP News & Upcoming Holiday Markets

Let's support each other this season.

It’s been a little over a week since our last market, and what a week it’s been — filled with Halloween festivities, preparing for the busy holiday season, and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits in our local community.

Before we dive into market updates, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge what’s happening and share the latest information on SNAP.

As of right now, SNAP funds remain uncertain. While some benefits are being released, not all families and individuals will receive their full amounts — and unfortunately, there’s no clear way to know who will be impacted. The good news is that HIP benefits from the state are still available.

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please remember: your community is here for you.Here are a few local resources that can help:

• Wakefield Food Pantry

• Reading Food Pantry

• Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: (800) 645-8333

  
  

Many small businesses and community organizations are also coming together to coordinate food drives and other forms of support — we’ll be sharing more about these efforts later this week.

Here at the Wakefield Farmers Market, we’re committed to helping ensure that families, children, and seniors have access to fresh, healthy food. We’ll continue to share updates as we have them, but for now, please know that we will be accepting and matching Market Dollars at both our Thanksgiving and Holiday Markets to help make every dollar stretch further.

Thanksgiving & Holiday Markets

While our hearts are with those affected, we also know how important it is to keep supporting our local farmers and small businesses — many of whom are feeling the ripple effects of these funding challenges as well.

Our Thanksgiving Market will feature over 50 vendors, including local farms, artisans, and food makers. From turkey pickups and fresh produce to handcrafted gifts and treats, it’s a wonderful way to fill your table with local flavors and support those who nourish our community.

The YMCA Christmas Tree Shop will also return with their beautiful display of fir trees — always a highlight of the season. It’s shaping up to be one of the most festive events of November (besides Thanksgiving itself, of course!).

Thanksgiving Market: Saturday, November 22, 10 AM – 1 PM (outdoors)

Holiday Market: Saturday, December 13, 10 AM – 1 PM (outdoors)

So mark your calendars, bundle up, bring the family, your grocery list, and plenty of tote bags, and come fill your Thanksgiving and holiday tables with local fare.

Together, we can care for one another, support our neighbors, and celebrate the incredible community that makes Wakefield Farmers Market what it is.