Did you know that many farmers markets take food stamps?
Many of the markets here in the Atlanta area have been taking food stamps for years, and it looks like markets other cities are doing the same. The photo above is from the West Seattle Farmers Market, which also accepts food stamps.
Organic Nation produced a quickie video highlighting a Chicago farmers market that’s now accepting food stamps:
Benefits for Customers and Farmers
We’ve seen that less access to fresh food contributes to higher obesity rates, and it’s poorer consumers that tend to lack this access. Not only do farmers markets add an option for fresh, often organic local produce, the prices are often very competitive. Folks can stretch those food dollars while stocking up on healthy eats for themselves and their families.
Times are tough, and farmers markets aren’t immune to the effects of the economic downturn. By taking food stamps, they’re able to broaden their customer base, which hopefully translates to better sales for the farmers.
This trend feels like a win for everyone!
Do any local farmers markets by you accept food stamps? I’d love to get a list going in the comments!
h/t: Organic Nation
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by chasbot
Becky Striepe
Hi there! I'm Becky Striepe, a green crafter and vegan foodie living in Atlanta, Georgia with my husband and two cats. My mission is to make eco-friendly crafts and vegan food accessible to anyone who wants to give them a go.
8 Responses to Farmers Markets and Food Stamps
Connect and Explore!
Proud Sponsor!
[...] and this is another great way to score cheap, unpackaged organic produce. In fact, more and more farmers markets are accepting food stamps, making local, organic produce more [...]
[...] have surfaced over the past few years, including the exponential rise in farmers markets (including the acceptance of food stamps), the emergence of community food justice organizations, the forming of local, regional, and state [...]
[...] have surfaced over the past few years, including the exponential rise in farmers markets (including the acceptance of food stamps), the emergence of community food justice organizations, the forming of local, regional, and state [...]
Eat, drink better and pay for it with money earned by somebody else. Can’t beat that.
Our national farmers market engine at http://www.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets, with over 6,100 entries, lists more than 700 markets that accept SNAP (former food stamp) benefits
Awesome, thanks for sharing the resource!
We take food stamps (EBT cards) at our 2 markets in Decatur Georgia. We are part of the Wholesome Wave program which doubles the value of EBT purchases so users can get 2x as much good food. Doing so has put an additional $75 per market per week on average in the pockets of our vendors. Everybody wins. http://www.decaturfarmersmarket.com http://www.wholesomewavegeorgia.org
Thanks, Duane! Decatur, represent!