Food Security
To end food insecurity in Somerville, Katjana’s administration
- Provided nearly 600 monthly food boxes to 8 public housing sites and multi-use grocery cards to more than 1,000 students
- Expanded existing, successful food programs, and together create more innovative programs to end food insecurity, like free food in schools.
- Expanded free food options in several public schools to include breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks, using grant money and programs. I’ll continue to work to expand these food options at all of our schools
- Created/expanded a take-home food option through the public schools
- Weekend Backpack Programs in Somerville
- Expanded the Mobile Farmers Market offering a 50% discount for any customers that need it and accepting SNAP, P-EBT, WIC farmers' market coupons, and senior farmers' market coupons for payment. This program provides fresh, local produce to neighborhoods around Somerville
- Expanded Nibble Kitchen, an Arts Council program that encourages food entrepreneurs from our Somerville community with support, training, and opportunity
- Funded vouchers for income-eligible residents and families to buy from Nibble Kitchen, and to buy at Somerville mobile produce markets
- As a City Councilor, I created Somerville Neighbors Helping Neighbors to receive and distribute personal donations between neighbors in Somerville. It is estimated that we collected and distributed over $30,000 worth of donated groceries and grocery store gift cards during the pandemic, in just one neighborhood
- As mayor, I’ve expanded Somerville Neighbors Helping Neighbors across the city
- Continue food security assessments to find Somerville families in need and help them to find resources
- Use city resources to reach out to our neighbors in need and ensure they’re aware of the food resources available to them
