Somerville explores coupon club to enhance food accessibility for seniors

The Somerville City Council convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at improving food accessibility for residents, particularly seniors. A significant portion of the meeting focused on innovative solutions to help alleviate the rising costs of groceries.

One proposal discussed was the creation of a "coupon club" or a collaborative membership similar to warehouse clubs like Costco. This initiative aims to leverage bulk purchasing to provide discounts on groceries for seniors, many of whom live in one or two-person households. Council members highlighted that individuals could save approximately 30% on groceries through such memberships.

The conversation also explored the idea of a food exchange system among seniors. For instance, if one member has a surplus of a product, like a 12-pack of noodles, they could share or trade with another member who may need different items, such as soy or almond milk. This approach would not only promote food accessibility but also foster community collaboration.

City officials expressed enthusiasm for these creative solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various departments, including the Council on Aging and Human Services. They acknowledged that while there are many opportunities for innovative approaches, the implementation of these ideas would require careful consideration of resources and technology assistance to help residents effectively utilize coupons and grocery apps.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these proposals and assess the community's needs, ensuring that any initiatives developed would be both practical and beneficial for Somerville's senior population.