GREAT BAY--The Freegan Food Foundation has opened registration for a new cycle of the Freegan Food Market, its community support program designed to assist families and individuals in St. Maarten who are struggling to make ends meet.
Unlike a traditional food bank, the Freegan Food Market operates more like a grocery store, allowing accepted participants to select groceries, fresh produce and household essentials based on the needs of their own households. Participants make a personal contribution of US $4 per person per week, which helps support the operation of the market.
For the weekly US $4 contribution, participants receive US $12.50 worth of groceries per person. The Foundation stressed that the program is intended to provide meaningful support and supplement a household's food budget rather than replace an entire week of grocery shopping.
Approximately 300 people, representing about 125 families, can be accommodated during the upcoming cycle. Due to the limited number of spaces, registration does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the program.
Applicants must first register for an intake appointment. During the intake process, a member of the Freegan Food Foundation team will meet with applicants to better understand their household circumstances. Once all intake sessions have been completed, every registered applicant will receive a personal message confirming whether they have been accepted into the program.
Intake Dates and Registration
Intake sessions for the new cycle will be held on September 7, 8 and 12, 2026. Registration closes on September 4.
Persons interested in registering should send a WhatsApp message to +1 721 587 6737. The Foundation emphasized that the number is for WhatsApp messages only and cannot accommodate telephone calls.
Applicants may also register in person by visiting Freegan HQ, Walter A. Nisbeth Road 89, Philipsburg, during opening hours, where a team member will assist with the registration process.
Applicants attending an intake are asked to bring a recent GEBE bill as proof of address, a rental agreement or other proof of housing, and proof of income such as a recent payslip or benefits statement.
Those accepted into the program will begin the new Freegan Food Market cycle on October 1, 2026.
The Freegan Food Foundation said the program was created around the principle that families should be able to choose the food that best suits their household while receiving assistance in a dignified setting.
“We started this program because every family deserves to choose their own food with dignity, no matter what their situation looks like right now. If that is you, or someone in your life, we would love to see you at an intake.”
The Foundation also expressed appreciation to the St. Maarten Development Fund, the Ministry of VSA, Republic Bank, private donors and sponsors whose support helps make successive cycles of the program possible.
