Is Your Market Low-Income Friendly?
MFFM is offering a new workshop about increasing low-income access at your farmers’ market. Thanks to a grant through the Maine Community Foundation, the cost to register is just $10, which includes all materials and lunch. We’ll be offering the workshop in Bangor March 2nd and again in Brunswick March 4th (9:00-4:00). Learn more about WIC, gleaning, and EBT programs at farmers’ markets. If your market is wondering whether to take on EBT in 2015, this program will help you think through the pros and cons. There will also be representatives from the USDA on site to help with applications for FNS numbers (the first step necessary to start accepting EBT). If your market has a new EBT program that you hope will grow, or if you’re interested in increasing WIC usage or in starting a gleaning program, there will be good information for you as well.
Tentative agenda (subject to minor changes):
8:30-9:00 Pick up materials, coffee, meet-and-greet
9:00-9:15 Welcome and introductions
9:15-10:15 EBT overview & Q&A
10:30-11:30 Market logistics (service plans, devices, scrip vs. tokens, bookkeeping)
11:30-12:30 Low income outreach
12:30-1:00 Lunch (provided)
1:00-2:00 Other programs: Gleaning, senior farm shares, WIC
2:15-3:15 Funding your EBT program
3:15-4:15 Incentive programs
4:15-4:30 Feedback and evaluation
The Bangor workshop will be at the UMaine Cooperative Extension office (307 Maine Avenue), and the Brunswick workshop will be at the Curtis Memorial Library (23 Pleasant Street).
- Get your farm or farmers’ market authorized for SNAP (formerly food stamps) and receive you FNS Number the very same day! USDA staff will be on site to walk you through the process and assist with your application.
- Find out about wireless equipment options to process SNAP payments (as well as credit/debit). A MarketLink representative will be on site to answer questions about that program.
- Learn about other resources available.
If you intend on getting an FNS (SNAP) number please bring copies of the following documents (required for the application):
- Picture ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security Card (or other official document with your name and SSN)
- Copy of voided check for bank account you will use to deposit funds.
Using SNAP at the Farmers’ Market – HOH Video
EBT at Farmers’ Markets – USDA website
Operation Marketquest – Downeast Business Alliance (2010)
SNAP at Farmers’ Markets – USDA Handbook (2010)
Double Value Coupon Program – Wholesome Wave
Radio spot – promoting SNAP at Maine farmers’ markets
EBT at Your Farmers’ Market: 7 Steps to Success – Project for Public Spaces
Farmers’ Market Coalition – Snap Guide for Farmers’ Markets