Contact us:
Spokane Farmers' Market Association
Market Location:
20 W. 2nd Ave Spokane, WA
(between Division and Browne)
Please Note New
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1103
Spokane, WA
99210-1103
Phone:
(509) 995-0182
Email Us
We Accept:
Food Stamps (EBT)
Logo Art by Nicole Lund
Nutrition and Food
Assistance Programs at the Spokane Farmers' Market
| Nutrition Education | WIC and Senior Nutrition Programs | Food Stamps NEW! |
Spokane Farmers' Market
Community Nutrition Education Program
The Community Nutrition Education Program at the Spokane Farmers' Market was originally developed as a partnership between the Spokane Farmers’ Market, West Central Community Center, Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs , First Covenant Church, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), Spokane Tilth and other local organizations. Our goals were twofold:
- To provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared fruits and vegetables from Washington family farms to nutritionally at-risk families and
- To expand the consumers’ awareness and use of Washington agricultural products.
In 2007, the Spokane Farmers' Market received a grant to fund an expanded community nutrition program, now known as the Community Nutrition Education Program (CNEP) to operate during the 2008 season. In addition, the Spokane Farmers' Market entered into a new partnership with SRHD to collaborate on nutrition education at the market site. A newly hired Farmers' Market staffer, Natalie Beck, plus two staffers from SRHD will coordinate activities and events centered around a dedicated booth at the Farmers' Market on market days to make this year's CNEP experience truly rewarding and valuable.
Starting May 10, 2008,
the Spokane Farmers' Market will begin accepting Food Stamps in order that
recipients will be able to purchase eligible foods using their Electronic
Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.The way this works is this: EBT card holders go to the Community Nutrition Education Program booth at the market where there is a terminal for swiping the EBT cards (it is not possible to have each vendor use individual machines). You swipe your card, enter your PIN and enter a desired amount of purchase dollars. You then receive wooden tokens worth $1 each to exchange with vendors for food. All food items at the Farmers' Market are eligible for purchase using EBT including fresh produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, dairy, etc.
Vendors will redeem the tokens they collect during each market day and receive payment for the food sold.
The SRHD works with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to ensure that Food Stamp recipients are aware of the fact that they can shop at the farmers' Market using their EBT cards.
The WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) provide locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for WIC participants and lower income seniors. The programs also strengthen local economies and communities by promoting Washington State agriculture.
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program is part of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The WIC Nutrition Program provides nutrition screening, health referrals, nutrition education, and nutritious foods to supplement diets for low income families.
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition
Program is designed to provide families participating in the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) with
locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Packets of $2 checks at a value
of $20 are distributed to clients at participating WIC clinics across the
state June through September. Checks are redeemable for fresh fruits and
vegetables at approved farmers markets June through October.
In 2007, $25,047 worth of farm fresh produce was obtained by WIC families who used their coupons at the Spokane Farmers' Market. Statewide, $607,995 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed to WIC families at 81 participating farmers markets.
The
Senior FMNP is part of the Senior Nutrition Program. The Senior
Nutrition Program improves nutrition for low income adults over age 60. The
program provides nutritious meals in a variety of group settings in the
community and home delivered meals for seniors who are unable to leave their
homes.
How the Program Works
Senior FMNP operates June through October. Eligible participants are
age 60+ or are American Indian/Alaska Native and 55+ and have income below
185% of Federal Poverty Level ($1,575 per month for one in 2007)
Within funding limitations, eligible seniors are issued $40 worth of $2
checks. These checks are used to purchase local produce at authorized
farmers markets or roadside stands June through October OR local produce
purchased directly from farmers and delivered to home bound seniors or to
meal sites and senior housing for pick up by eligible seniors.
For information on how to apply for Senior
FMNP benefits, click Senior Farmers Market Program Contacts to find a
program coordinator in your area.