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Farmers Market Flash – Approach

Program Contact: Diane Smith, Associate Professor, Health Promotion and Food Access Specialist
(360) 395-2355 • diane.smith@wsu.edu

WSU Extension received a Farmers Market SNAP Support Grant (FMSSG) for the “Farmers Market Flash” pilot project. The focus of Farmers Market Flash was to engage limited-resource seniors and families with children to become frequent shoppers at their local farmers market. Seniors and families with children receiving assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are often underrepresented in farmers markets–Our goal was to change that and promote a farmers market that is inclusive for everyone, regardless of income. The grant funding supported technical assistance for farmers markets to better facilitate Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, as well as promote SNAP participation at these locations through the implementation of community-focused activities, both on- and off-site.


Many farmers markets already serve as facilitators of healthy habits and hubs for community engagement. Our goal was to spread the word about Skagit County farmers markets abundant with affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, and the benefits of shopping there. The foundation of the Farmers Market Flash project was based upon the four pillars of Education, Outreach, Promotion, and Community Engagement;

Education

Educate farmers, vendors, and consumers

  • Training and technical assistance on promotion and acceptance of SNAP/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) services at farmers markets
  • “Flash” class demos at the market; class series available off-site as well

Outreach

Increase awareness of the opportunity to utilize SNAP benefits at the market

  • Flash Classes– 30-minute culinary-based classes instilling participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to select, prepare , and store fresh produce from their local farmers market. Classes are offered for seniors and families with children

Promotion

Promote the opportunity to utilize SNAP benefits at the market

  • Design and implement marketing and social media strategies to encourage SNAP participation

Community Engagement

Mobilize and engage community in market activities

  • All day bus passes available for trips to the market
  • Children’s Art Walk
  • Market tours
  • Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt
  • Art Activities with the Museum of Northwest Art

 


Double-Up Bucks

 

DubUpBxs Logo Double Up Bucks makes fresh local food more affordable for low income individuals residing in Skagit County while enhancing our local economy and supporting our local farmers. SNAP benefits go twice as far at the farmers market thanks to the Double Up Bucks program. Customers who pay with their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can double their dollars at the farmers market. That means you’ll get up to $4 worth of fresh, local food for every $2 you spend with your EBT card.

20$ spent with EBT= $40 for fruits and vegetables!

For more information about Double Up Bucks EBT incentive program in Skagit County, visit the SVFMC Double Up Bucks page.

 

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This material was based upon work that was supported by the Food and Nutrition Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number FMSSG-1511944071

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.