USDA Announces Grants To Enable More Farmers Markets To Serve Low-Income Families

Posted by Lauren María Alexander|May 7, 2015

Purchasing fresh produce at Farmer’s Markets may get easier for low-income families. Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced the availability of up to $3.3 million in competitive funding to support the ability of farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits provided through USDA as a form of payment. These awards will help expand SNAP participants’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods found at farmers markets, while supporting our nation’s farmers and producers.

“We have seen an unprecedented growth in the number of farmers markets accepting SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in the past six years,” said Concannon. “These awards support the markets that may need administrative help in implementing and managing EBT service and informing customers that they can use their SNAP benefits at farmers markets.”

The Under Secretary also announced that there are now more than 6,200 farmers markets and direct marketing farmers authorized to accept SNAP nationwide – an eightfold increase since the beginning of this administration. In fiscal year 2014, approximately $18.7 million in SNAP benefits were used at farmers markets, an increase of 7.5% over 2013. Increasing the number of SNAP authorized farmers markets is part of USDA’s ongoing mission to support recipients in making healthy food choices.

The Farmers Market SNAP Support Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 and must be designed to increase SNAP client accessibility and participation at farmers markets, and support the establishment, expansion, and promotion of SNAP EBT services at farmers markets. Eligible applicants include farmers market organizations and associations, non-profit entities, state, local and tribal nations, and other organizations engaged in farmers market management.

The Request for Applications was published May 5. Applications are due June 18, 2015. Grant funds will be awarded in September. For further information about the grant application, visit www.grants.gov.