getting fresh food at a farmers market is a snap!
TRANSCRIPT
Getting Fresh Food at a Farmers Market is a SNAP!
Over 350 farmers markets accept SNAP Using a Central Terminal System
Benefits: Large pool of vendors accepting SNAP
Tokens allow for faster transactions in a busy market
Socially responsible: fresh, healthy and locally grown food for everyone
Intro to SNAP at Farmers Markets
It’s Simple!
To use the Central Terminal System:
Find the terminal by locating the banner
Swipe your benefits card and receive tokens
Use your tokens to buy SNAP eligible foods from the market vendors
Return unused tokens for a refund to your benefits account OR hold them until your next market visit: No expiration date on tokens
Let them know: Farmers markets are a good choice for fresh, healthy foods:
Busting the myth: markets are affordable Shopping at a farmers market is fun for the whole
family Its educational: learn where your food comes from,
how it is produced and how to use it Its healthy: farmers market food is fresh and nutritious Its green! Your food has far fewer miles on it and is
often produced in environmentally friendly ways Shopping at a farmers market promotes a local
economy
Talking to your clients about SNAP
Hints for shopping at the farmers market: Arrive early for the best selection Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a
reusable shopping bag Browse the whole market first before you start
buying: Quality, price and friendliness factors
Just ask! Farmers love to talk about their food and their farm and will happily share their knowledge
Bring your benefits with you: SNAP, FMNP, WIC V&F, Incentive coupons But if paying in cash, farmers appreciate small bills
Continuing the conversation…
What to expect: It’s more than fruits and vegetables! It’s outdoors, so expect weather! Farmers markets are kid-friendly It’s an experience!
Still more conversation…
SNAP at farmers markets Q & A
How do I get tokens? How much are tokens worth? Is there a minimum purchase
for tokens? What do I do with leftover
tokens? What if I purchase something
that isn’t an even dollar amount?
Do all market vendors accept tokens?
Can tokens be used at all farmers markets once I have them?
Markets are too expensive. Response: side by side comparisons show markets are
comparably priced and may be cheaper during the height of the season
Market hours are not convenient Response: only way to meet growers is to visit farmers
markets. Make shopping at a farmers market a special family event.
There is no public transportation to the local farmers market Response: let me help you find alternative transportation; i.e.
housing authority busing, carpooling community center vans or help get your local bus company to add a market route
Concerns we hear from SNAP users
Resources for case workers
www.snaptomarket.com SNAP market locator Easy and healthy recipes Harvest calendar Hints and tips
Fresh Tips newsletter Consumer brochure:
http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/brochures/
Marketing the Market powerpoint http://nyfarmersmarket.
com/marketingthemarket
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=4JDxvbyziMo
Encouraging kids!
Kids who are involved in food shopping are more likely to eat it! Let your child pick out
special fruits and veggies for the week
Let your child ask the farmer questions. Farmers love to talk with children
Build bridges between SNAP markets and SNAP customers
Create programs that will bring your consumers to SNAP markets Transportation Awareness campaigns Cooking/nutrition
classes/demos
Bring a market to your clients Be sure the project makes
sense from the farmers point of view too
Coupon Incentive Programs Helps to overcome the concerns 40% increase in buying power Used for fresh fruits and vegetables
(exception is Fresh Connect checks)
Incentivizing SNAP at Farmers Markets
Incentive coupons come from a number of sources:
Started in 2011 as part of the overall Fresh Connect Program with the goal of increasing access to farm fresh foods in communities that traditionally lack such access.
Operates statewide with the exception of NYC where Health Bucks are dominant.
Administered by NYSDAM
Governor’s Fresh Connect Check Program
$2.00 Fresh Connect Check for every $5.00 in SNAP used. July 1, 2015 –December 31, 2015 for use by customer. Send to the Farmers Market Federation for Redemption. Can be used for any SNAP eligible food item
Allocation based on previous year’s SNAP sales.
Fresh Connect Check Details
Fresh Connect Program for Veterans. Coordination with other SNAP incentive programs. $102,000 in Fresh Connect Checks redeemed in
2014 Significant increase in check distribution for 2015
Fresh Connect Check Details (cont.)
Thank You!
Diane EggertFarmers Market Federation of [email protected]
Jonathan ThomsonNYS Dept of Agriculture & [email protected]