Requesting the appropriation of $45,596 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for the support of a school based market.

To the Honorable City Council: The Mayor respectfully requests that this Council appropriate $45,596 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Mobile Farmers Market Revolving Fund for the purpose of funding a contract for a vendor-operated, school-based market for the 2025-2026 school year in two schools: East Somerville Community School & West Somerville Neighborhood School. The goal is to increase food access to hundreds of low-income families by ensuring access to regular market-style, fresh produce and pantry items. This program was previously funded as a pilot on ARPA funds and was extremely successful in delivering over 117,000 lbs of food to approximately 250 families in 2024. Appropriate staff will be available to address any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this item. Respectfully Submitted, Katjana Ballantyne, Mayor