Hot Peppers and Parking Lot Peaches

Issued by the Community Food Security Coalition, this report examines barriers associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income communities. Some of the challenges and opportunities of serving these types of communities include transportation, policy, and the advent of EBT machines at market.

State Implementation of the New WIC Produce Package

This report provides an overview of the current status of the WIC Package Rule and the issue of states authorizing farmers as vendors for the new cash value vouchers for fruits and vegetables. Included are case examples collected from 36 states regarding their decision to authorize or not authorize farmers as vendors for the new cash value fruit and vegetable vouchers.

6050W and Farmers Markets Electronic Payment Reporting Requirements

A webinar hosted by FMC and the Michigan Farmers Market Association in October of 2011.The presentation explains the background of IRS 6050W and what electronic payment reporting requirements can mean for your farmers market. Presenters include Amanda Segar of the Michigan Farmers Market Association, Erin McQuire, Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, and Stacy Miller of the Farmers Market Coalition. Best practices for scrip recordkeeping are highlighted. If unsure about your reporting obligations, please consult with a professional tax advisor.

• Webinar powerpoint slides (PDF)
• Webinar handout, IRS 6050W Electronic Reporting Requirements: Important Information for Farmers Markets

Findings and Reflections from Listening Sessions of Oregon’s Healthy Eating and Farmers Markets Project

Using a social determinants of health framework, this research from the Oregon Public Health Institute included farmers market tours, listening sessions and focus groups  to understand perceptions about product variety, price, quality, and understanding of food assistance programs among low-income and minority residents in Multnomah County.  The report includes participant quotes.

EBT/SNAP/Debit Accounting

This page includes information on managing accounting systems for EBT and Debit, with templates for a Market Day EBT/Debit Transaction report, Market Day Transaction Report Summary, and Master Token Reserve Form.

Food Stamps and Farmers, It’s a Win-Win. Farmers’ Toolkit for Accepting Electronic Food Stamps

This toolkit provides information and resources for farmers and farmers markets to accept EBT benefits. It provides information specific to Maine, but can be very helpful as an overall guide for anyone looking for resources to accept EBT benefits.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

Information about EBT from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program

A link to USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s webpage for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program including information about regulations, a factsheet, state agency contacts, and grant levels.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

A link to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s webpage on the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program including and overview and fact sheet about the program and grant levels and state agency contacts

FAQ: EBT & Serving SNAP Customers

A list of FAQs for farmers markets who wish to accept EBT and SNAP (food stamp) benefits.