The back of the Claflin Street parking lot was full up Thursday, occupied by the tents and canopies of the Belmont Farmers’ Market.
This is the 19th year for the market. According to Chair Hal Shubin, last year, the market drew more than 21,000 visitors during its run from June to October.
On Thursday, the market held its Food Assistance Fair, which provides information on how to apply for food-related benefits, such as SNAP or FMNP coupons. The market also offers a way to double SNAP or FMNP.
This year will see the continuation of the POP program—enroll your child, and they get $3 to spend on fruits and vegetables or on a food-producing plant.
The market runs each Thursday, 2 through 6:30 p.m. in the Claflin Street lot.
Mireia Carpio Rodriguez and Hal Shubin ring the bell marking the opening of the Farmers’ Market. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) ( ( 
Virginia Oliver of Cambridge conducts some business with Katherine Wadleigh-White of Pepperell-based Kimball Fruit Farm. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) 
Chair Hal Shubin addresses the gathering on opening day of the Belmont Farmers’ Market. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) 
The market drew a good-sized crowd in spite of gloomy weather. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) 
Val Detheux brought Zoe to opening day. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) 
Laurie Graham, board member of the Belmont Food Pantry, addresses the opening day crowd. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice) 
Lines formed quickly at the Farmers’ Market. (Jesse A. Floyd/Belmont Voice)
