Farming in these days of unpredictable weather is challenging. Running a food business in these days of the Coronavirus pandemic is also challenging. Feeding a family when unemployed could be almost impossible.
A recent study by UMass Boston on aging in Boston notes, “Poverty rates are especially high among Asian Americans and Latinos. More than one-third of these residents aged 60 or older live below the poverty level.”
Bringing food purveyors, growers, and neighbors together is one way Boston Chinatown Main Street and the City of Boston are creating positive momentum for all, making the impossible, possible.
One of the unique programs helping everyone during this unusual time is coupon books for families living with unemployment. Boston residents who are receiving unemployment benefits can qualify for a Chinatown Farmer’s Market coupon booklet worth $75.
HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) allows SNAP card users purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables to get a dollar for dollar match applied back to their SNAP card when enrolled.
“Even with all the long beans we sold, as a wholesaler, we’d have to sell much more to profit, but we just want to be here to support the community.”
Amy, of Happy Family, had beautiful head-on shrimp in u-5 size (that’s five shrimp to make a pound of weight – they are huge)! They also featured frozen smelts, shrimp and their dried scallops. A dozen eggs sold at $2.50. Hot tip: the now-shuttered Empress Delicacies will be having a liquidation sale at Happy Family on Hudson Street during the August Moon Festival. Do not sleep on the XO sauce!
Debbie Ho, Executive Director of Chinatown Main Street, had previously focused their efforts on helping families with kids and unemployed wage-earners. She noted the grant she received from Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) enabled her to distribute over 200 bags of groceries to families at $2 per bag. She estimates the bags contained $100 worth of food from milk, fruit, rice, fresh noodles, and more.
At the Chinatown Farmer’s Market, the shiso was fragrant, the lemongrass fresh and, the shoppers lively. Stop by for fresh or frozen seafood, fresh baked goods and maybe just a chat with some neighbors or watch the lions dance!
Don’t forget to stock up for August Moon feasting.
The Chinatown Farmer’s Market runs on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Saturday July 31st was the third market day in July. Dates for August will be the 7th and 21st; and September will have two dates: the 4th and the 18th.
