The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services launched its first Brookline Bounty Birds initiative in time for the thanksgiving holiday.
The Brookline Bounty Birds included 30 turkeys and 20 chickens purchased with remaining annual funds from Brookline Bounty coupons. The department partnered with Farmers’ Market vendor Copicut Farm to distribute turkeys and chicken roasters to families this Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, department staff made deliveries to three locations: the Brookline Housing Authority, the Brookline Senior Center, and the Public Schools of Brookline.
“We are thankful to our community partners and Copicut Farm in helping us reach residents of all ages, from older adults to families in Brookline,” said Brookline Public Health and Human Services Director Sigalle Reiss.
The closure of the Brookline Farmers’ Market last Thursday marked the end of the year for the Brookline Bounty Food Coupon Program, a food access initiative for income-eligible families providing coupons for use at the local farmers’ market. The program provided locally-grown, fresh produce, meat, and other food items to over 700 families this year. During the regular season, participants redeemed nearly $48,000 in coupons, with the majority spent on vegetables, fruits, and proteins. This year, the program collected 92% of coupons distributed the highest redemption percentage to date.
The program has operated successfully for three years, thanks to community partners, particularly the Brookline Farmers’ Market director and manager, Abe Faber and Nate Harlan, and 23 participating vendors. The market is not just a shopping experience but also a community gathering place. Many community members and business owners have noted that market shoppers have become more diverse since the start of the program.
The Brookline Bounty program was initially grant-funded through the Kresge Foundation and later received American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. The program will resume next spring.
To learn more about Brookline Bounty, please visit here.
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