The chart below illustrates recent growth in the amount of SNAP benefits that are being used to purchase local foods. Although the majority of those federal dollars are still being spent at mass retailers, there has been remarkable growth in the number of families using their SNAP benefits to shop locally. It’s also important to note […]
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Update your farmers’ market USDA listing by July 15
June 28, 2016 Categories
The USDA’s listing of farmers’ markets relies on market managers to update the listings, so this is one directory each market must update individually. With a lot of publicity coming down the pike for National Farmers’ Market Week (August 7-13, to be celebrated here as Maine Farmers’ Market Snapshot Week), now is the time to make […]
SNAP Nutrition Incentives: a Win-Win Initiative
June 27, 2016 CategoriesClick here to learn about Maine Harvest Bucks. No state has yet found a way to define “junk food” and effectively limit SNAP recipients from using their benefits for its purchase. Many farms and farmers’ markets in Maine accept SNAP benefits, and in those venues, the benefits are primarily used for healthy, local food options. […]
Common questions market managers encounter
June 24, 2016 CategoriesMany farmers’ markets set up in public parks, municipal parking lots, and other public spaces. There are a range of creative partnerships around the region, but sometimes misunderstandings arise, often due to misperceptions about the structure and operation of farmers’ markets. These are some common questions that come up in meetings between municipal officers and FMs, along […]
We love our local partners….
June 17, 2016 Categories
MFFM works with a range of local partners around the state, particularly in support of the Maine Harvest Bucks program at farmers’ markets. Thank you to all the organizations that support this work! The list includes: Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District, Healthy Acadia, the Sunrise County Economic Council, Healthy Oxford Hills, the Center for an […]