This summer, dozens of additional farmers markets across Minnesota are expected to accept federally funded Food Support benefits, expanding access to nutritious food for low-income people. The change is part of a collaborative effort involving the Minnesota Department of Human Services and community partners.
In addition to helping recipients, use of Food Support benefits at farmers markets also helps Minnesota family farmers and communities by supporting the local economy.
A sampling of communities with participating farmers markets include: Albert Lea, Alexandria, Austin, Bagley, Bemidji, Bloomington, Mankato, Morrison County, Northeast Minneapolis, Richfield, Rochester, Staples and Duluth. Many of these open on May 7. For a listing of farmers markets accepting Food Support, check out the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers Market Directory. There are more than 140 farmers markets in Minnesota.
“Food Support enables low-income Minnesotans to meet their nutritional needs,” said Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. “Accessing benefits at farmers markets makes it easier for people to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. We are excited about the rapid increase in the number of farmers markets accepting payment via Food Support benefits.”
Some farmers markets are further enhancing the impact of shopping at farmers markets by increasing the purchasing power of Food Support benefits redeemed there. Matching incentives, such as those offered at the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market and Midtown Farmers Market in Minneapolis, have greatly increased the redemption rate of Food Support benefits.
Private foundations and public funds help pay for matching programs, such as Market Bucks, for every dollar a Food Support recipient spends at participating farmers markets. This allows Food Support recipients to purchase additional healthy food.
For more information about Food Support, contact your county social service agency or call the Minnesota Food Helpline, 888-711-1151.
