Great food should be for Everyone
Everyone in our community deserves access to fresh, locally produced agricultural products that are more nutritious and taste better than food that travels thousands of miles to the grocery stores. That’s why the Institute created and runs the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- formally refereed to as food stamps) program at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, and continues to promote it to the nutritionally under-served in our community.
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Background on Farmers’ Markets and Food Stamps
In October 2008, the nation’s food stamp program was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute implemented the food stamp program at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market in 2007. In the past, many food stamp customers went to farmers markets using paper coupons. But when paper coupons were phased out in favor of EBT (electronic benefits transfer) cards, farmers’ markets across the country could not serve food stamp customers because each vendor had to be able to accept credit cards in sites that often had no phone lines or electricity.
Over the last few years, the USDA, which administers the SNAP program, has offered markets throughout the country with point-of-sale credit card scanners so that food stamp customers can have their EBT card scanned for whatever amount they desire, and receive tokens or scrip to purchase food from the vendors. In New Mexico (2010), currently 13 of the State’s 50 farmers’ markets to accept them: Clovis, Silver City, Santa Fe, Espanola, Albuquerque, Belen, Ribera, Los Lunas, Truth or Consequences, Farmington, Shiprock, Bernalillo, and Edgewood.
While food stamps can be used to buy Twinkies and other processed food with high fat and sugar content, often priced very affordably, such options contribute to the rise in obesity, heart disease and diabetes; especially among low-income residents that don’t have access to more nutritious food. In NM, 57% of adults are obese or overweight, costing the State $324 million annually on obesity related medical expenses. It’s long been recognized that food at farmers’ markets is more nutritious than that which can be bought at retail outlets. The reason is that store-bought produce travels 1500 miles to the store, is handled up to 30 times in transit, and arrives up to two weeks after it was harvested, decreasing its flavor and nutritional value. Produce from farmers’ markets is generally harvested the day before, which means it is fresher and has more nutritional value AND lasts longer. No more throwing away a head of lettuce two days after you bought it! This saves you money. Providing a means for EBT transactions at farmers markets is seen as important to improving access to more nutritious food.
The Institute is also working to make local, healthy food affordable to all members of the community. Financial support from Federal Recovery Act funds allowed the Institute to run the EBT Bonus Token program from October 2010- January 2011, and the remainder of the funds for July of 2011. The 1:1 match bonus program allows SNAP users to double the amount spent on local, healthy farmers’ market products. This also indirectly helps in promotion of the program, encourages healthier eating practices through education and outreach efforts, and economically supports NNM agricultural producers. According to the USDA, every $5 in SNAP benefits generates as much as $9 in economic activity; thus supporting low-income residents, NNM agricultural producers, and the local economy.
The SFFM is the only weekly, year-round event showcasing local agriculture, food, and culture. Promotion of the SNAP program at the farmers market helps combat growing diet-related diseases, stimulate the local economy, support NNM ag producers, and develop a healthy community.
How to Use Your EBT Card at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market
Bring your EBT card to the Market’s Information Booth, have your EBT card scanned for whatever amount you choose, and we’ll give you $1 tokens to purchase groceries from the vendors. If your purchase doesn’t quite add up to the number of tokens you have, you can use your own money to fill in.
If you don’t use all your tokens, you can use them at subsequent Markets, or you can have them credited back onto your EBT card, but credits must be done the same day you purchased your tokens. No cash or change will be given in exchange for the EBT tokens. Lost or stolen tokens cannot be reissued or refunded.
