ONLINE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT MOBILE FARMERS MARKET EBT MATCHES

Each week a truck carrying affordable
fresh fruits and vegetables rolls up to Somerville's two housing developments
and a senior activity center and transforms parking lots into instant farmers
markets with low prices that most struggling families can afford-but some still
need more support. That's why the Mobile Market, a program of Shape Up
Somerville, offers matching funds for persons with demonstrated need, thereby doubling
the purchasing power of low-income residents including those receiving SNAP and
WIC support. But growing demand has already depleted the $5,000 in 2013 grant
funding for the $10-$20 matching grants-just as federal cuts to food stamps
programs are forcing families to make hard choices at the supermarket. By law,
City funds cannot be used for the matching funds. So residents are being called
on to donate to help fund the program through winter and next summer.

"Residents and families have come to
increasingly depend on the market, but with our matching funds depleted, we're
concerned that too many will be walking away without enough produce to get
through the week. So we're really hoping that residents will give this holiday
season to help their neighbors provide nutritious foods for their families,"
said David Hudson, Director of Shape Up Somerville, which runs the Mobile
Market.  "This really is local giving.
The kid whose dad can bring home more carrots, apples, peas and greens from the
market because of matching funds just may be the student who sits next to your
own child in school."

Shape Up Somerville has set a modest
goal of $3,000 to raise by mid-January, although it's estimated that a total of
$5,000 is needed to keep the market's matching funds program funded through
this winter and summer 2014. So, should the goal be reached, additional
donations will be welcome. Donations can be made at www.citizinvestor.com/project/somerville-mobile-farmers-market

"The growing popularity of the Mobile
Farmers' Market shows the growing importance that families of all backgrounds
place on nutrition partly as a result of the City's ongoing efforts to promote
healthy eating and food equity. But it is also an indicator of real need," said
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. "This community has a history of coming together to
support shared goals and I'm sure we can count on Somervillians to help other
Somervillians and ensure this vital program continues. I plan to personally
make a donation myself."

Citzinvestor.com invites municipalities
to submit projects, already approved but lacking necessary funding, ranging
from building a new playground to creating a memorial or funding small business
initiatives.  Residents may pledge any
amount of money toward meeting the community's goal. From its mission
statement: "Not only can citizens invest in projects from their local
governments, but Citizinvestor also gives citizens the opportunity to propose
ideas they have to improve their community to their respective local government
officials."

Funds raised through this campaign will
help provide assistance in the form of matching funds for residents with a
demonstrated need, including those receiving SNAP or WIC benefits. Citizens
pledging funds will only pay their portion if 100% of the goal of $3,000 is
reached. If the goal is not met by the proposed deadline, the proposed project
will receive no funding.