Jan. 18, 2007 — Boston Public Market Association has received a $5,000 grant from Farm Aid for outreach to local restaurants and institutions that are interested in purchasing fresh, local products, and the Charles River Assn. for Retarded Citizens in Needham has been awarded a $2,500 grant from The Tobin Schools to provide music therapy for children with moderate to severe special needs.

Howard Leibowitz of Boston Public Market Association (BPMA) said, “Our goal is to open up more markets for local producers in Boston so that it will be economical for them to participate in our locations, as well as others throughout the city. As we work toward the creation of a permanent public market for Boston, we want to build a series of positive relationships with farmers and producers across our region.”

Farm Aid grants supports innovative efforts across the country to expand opportunities for family farmers.

The Charles River ARC grant will fund a music therapist and music equipment for ASPIRE, an after-school program based at the agency’s East Militia Heights Road location. The funds come from a $10,000 award The Tobin Schools won in a national competition for the school’s work in encouraging and educating young children in the value and power of volunteerism.

Mary Beth Claus Tobin, founder and president of The Tobin Schools, said her organization decided to use half of the funds to award two $2,500 grants to nonprofit groups in Natick and Needham who could best “demonstrate the most creative use of the funds” to support their missions.

John Grugan, president of Charles River ARC, said the music therapy program is one of the most popular and important after-school offerings as it provides “an alternative means for expression and communication.”

Charles River ARC is a human service agency assisting more than 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities from 15 metrowest communities, including Needham, Newton, Natick, Weston, Dedham, Waltham and Wellesley.

The Boston Public Market Association is working to facilitate the creation of a Boston Public Market that would provide fresh and locally produced food to city residents, offering quality and freshness at a reasonable price.