Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local farmer urges Brockton Public Schools to promote SNAP/HIP produce program
Summary
Elio Silva of Vineyard Farm told the school committee families can redeem HIP/SNAP benefits at his farm year-round, receiving up to $80 in monthly produce depending on household size; the committee voted to share his materials with families and on district channels.
Elio Silva, who runs Vineyard Farm in West Bridgewater, urged the Brockton School Committee on Feb. 10 to help promote a SNAP/HIP program that allows families to buy produce at the farm and receive an effective match. "Families can get up to $80 of free produce at our farm every month," Silva said, explaining the benefit varies by household size and is available year-round.
Silva said the Brockton farmers market already accepts HIP but operates limited hours; his farm is open seven days a week and will accept SNAP cards with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible purchases. He also offered to provide produce at no charge to families who lack SNAP access and suggested the city support community garden plots.
Following Silva's public comment, a committee member moved to distribute Silva's materials via an email blast and the district website and social media. The committee seconded the motion and approved it by voice vote, directing district staff to share the outreach materials.
The committee did not set additional funding or program requirements; the motion is limited to district promotion of existing information supplied by the farm. The superintendent and staff indicated they would coordinate on posting and outreach logistics.
