In Maine, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program ends on October 31st. This summer program is designed to help families receiving Women, Infants, and Children food supplement benefits get fresh, local fruits and vegetables during peak season. Families in the WIC program receive $5 vouchers, which can only be redeemed directly from farmers at farmers’ […]
USDA
Maine Harvest Bucks wraps up at Summer Markets
October 27, 2017 CategoriesWhen you see Maine Harvest Bucks (MHB) at farmers’ markets, consider how this program is the product of an organized effort among farmers, vendors, volunteers and community partners at each of the 31 farmers’ markets across the state. Because of their work, eating local is more accessible, easy and affordable for low-income Mainers receiving SNAP/EBT. […]
Using WIC checks at farmers’ markets
August 23, 2017 CategoriesIt’s easy to use WIC checks at the farmers’ market! Most markets have an “info booth” where shoppers can use their credit, debit, and SNAP/EBT cards. The staff at the info booth can help newcomers get oriented to the market, and should know which farmers accept WIC checks. Or, you can simply look around the […]
Farmers’ Markets and SNAP-Ed: A Path to Better Nutrition
March 15, 2017 CategoriesAs we prepare for the 2017 Maine Harvest Bucks season. we’re looking forward to expanding partnerships with Maine SNAP-Ed. With 35 farmers’ markets enrolled in the MHB program, the need for outreach support and education continues to increase. Want to learn more about how SNAP educators around the state partner with farmers’ markets? Check out our December […]
REAP Grant Program Deadline March 31st
March 14, 2017 CategoriesThis is a reminder that the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant application competition deadline is less than a month away! It is the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on March 31, 2017. A few things to remember: We need only one hard copy original of the application and supporting materials. No emailed applications […]
SNAP Authorization: apply & update at the Convention on January 29th
January 17, 2017 CategoriesDoes your farm or market currently accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments, such as SNAP? If so, you may need to update your information with the USDA Food & Nutrition Service to reflect current program authorities (a.k.a. who is responsible for the SNAP program), change in location, etc. You can do so with the direct […]
Farmers’ markets, food access & the USDA Farm Bill
November 22, 2016 Categories
Next week we team up with our collaborators in the Maine Local Foods Access Network to launch a one-day Giving Tuesday campaign. Our goal: raise $2,000 to help expand the network of Maine Harvest Bucks markets into more communities and find increased success with all participating markets. It’s a humble goal, really, considering that the […]
Finding Success with Local Partnerships
October 19, 2016 CategoriesAs the outdoor market season winds down, we have much to celebrate – and plenty to learn from – after the first year under the Maine Harvest Bucks statewide nutrition incentive brand. (Previously Maine farmers’ market nutrition incentive programs operated under various names such as “double value coupon” or “bonus bucks.”) Since April, nearly $50,000 Maine […]
Farmers’ Market WIC check deadline Oct 31st
October 14, 2016 CategoriesOctober 31st is the deadline for participants in the Women, Infants, and Children program to redeem their Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). FMNP checks can only be used when buying directly from farmers at farmers’ markets and farm stands. There are $20,000 in checks out there around the state that were distributed to WIC participants […]
Rep Chellie Pingree to visit Augusta FM at Mill Park
August 9, 2016 CategoriesADVISORY: TUESDAY—Pingree to visit summer meal site in Portland and farmers market in Augusta with top Obama Administration official Contact: Andrew Colvin, (202) 527-4681 (Pingree) Eddie Ortega, (617) 699-7283 (USDA) WHAT: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree will join the top Obama Administration official in charge of federal nutrition programs—USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon—to see on-the-ground efforts to […]