There’s so much exciting news right now around food stamps and farmers’ markets. At two Washington, DC area markets, funding from Wholesome Wave Foundation is allowing shoppers to literally double the value of their food stamps. It’s a win win. The funding allows the shoppers to maximize their benefits to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables while the farmers’ costs are covered by the funding.
In San Diego, markets that take EBT cards are cropping up in areas with low income housing. The markets are outfitted with booths of volunteers who can answer questions about food stamps and can convert a swipe of an EBT card into tokens that customers can use at the various farmers’ booths. Even New Jersey is getting into the swing of things and announced last week that EBT cards are now welcome at markets throughout the state.
And I’m proud to say that Philly is doing its share. The Food Trust works to provide access to healthy foods to people across the area. All The Food Trust farmers’ markets take ACCESS cards, which are the PA equivalent to electronic food stamps. Farmers’ markets aren’t just for yuppies anymore.
