From the Northwoods Food Project • March 22, 2022

Are YOU interested in being a vendor at the Thursday Local Food Market this summer? Join us as we discuss ways to improve the market and learn about how we could use Electronic Benefits Transfer.  Join us for a meeting on Friday, April 8 at the Cook County Community Center.

If needed, registered attendees will be emailed COVID contingency plans! For more nformation, contact Sarah Waddle, Cook County Extension Educator/Community Center Director, at 218-387-3015 or [email protected].

Sign up: https://bit.ly/3uds8Us

Learn the fundamentals for accepting EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer - what used to be called "Food Stamps") at a farmer's market. How does it work? How much does it cost? How can it benefit your market and the community it serves?

In addition to the basics, the presentation will cover how accepting EBT also unlocks the Market Bucks SNAP matching incentive program. The program matches every dollar's worth of SNAP benefits used at the market, up to $10 each visit, with an additional $2 worth of Market Bucks. Market Bucks can be used to make purchases of eligible foods from market vendors. Participation in the program is free, but the ability to accept EBT is required.

Over the past fifteen years, David Nicholson has been a vendor, manager, board member, and shopper at various farmer's markets throughout the state. Since helping to develop and launch the Market Bucks SNAP matching incentive program, David has continued to collaborate with people interested in making locally produced food more accessible and affordable for people with low income. He still enjoys going to farmer's markets, but, on balance, stays home more these days to cook, garden, and father his (almost) 6-yr old.

Supported by:  The Northwoods Food Project, Cook County, and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic