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   SNAP market locator  Easy and healthy recipes  Harvest calendar  Hints and tips  Fresh Tips newsletter  Consumer brochure:  om/brochures/ om/brochures/  Marketing the Market powerpoint  arketingthemarket arketingthemarket 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 Eggert Farmers Market Federation of NY Jonathan Thomson NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets