More Farmers Markets Accessible with EBT

      Posted On: April 28, 2009

Farmers markets throughout the United States are growing more accessible to participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As of the end of FY 2008, 753 Farmers markets were authorized to accept SNAP benefits nationwide, a 34 percent increase from FY 2007. While the percentage of redemptions is very little, the amount of funds going to small farmers has increased from about $1 million in 2007 to $2.7 million in 2008. Over 250 farmers markets were operating a scrip or token system nationwide.

Learn more about EBT project status from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service here.

With more than $300,000 devoted to new EBT projects in this year’s Farmers Market Promotion Program, the spread of EBT at farmers markets is likely to continue. The Farmers Market Coalition supports the  goal of expanding EBT access to at least 50% of farmers markets by 2012.  Read more about FMC policy positions here.