North Dakota to boost awareness of SNAP acceptance at farmer's markets
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When North Dakotans head to farmers markets this summer, they might want to see which ones accept SNAP benefits, as the state is enhancing a search tool so that those eligible can stock up on fruits and vegetables.
EBT cards distributed through SNAP are now accepted at thousands of farmers markers across the country. North Dakota's agriculture department has updated its online Local Foods Map to indicate which locations within the state are part of the SNAP network.
Keith Knudson, executive director of the North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association, said it is another way to improve access to healthy food.
"We're seeing a lot more of those farmers markets in rural areas where we have issues with not having enough fresh vegetables in the community," Knudson explained.
He pointed out small town grocery stores have struggled to stay open and if those new rural farmers markets accept SNAP, program recipients have a dedicated source of fresh food for the season. Knudsen note it has been hard for some operators to implement SNAP payment systems but added the program is making improvements. On the updated map, a yellow star shows which markets are SNAP sites.
EBT users visiting farmers markets can stretch their benefits further through incentives. The "Double Up" option provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases of fruits and vegetables, meaning low-income residents can load up without depleting their account.
Doug Goehring, North Dakota's agriculture commissioner, hopes the feature boosts awareness and activity.
"Once they know that, maybe they'll seek them out, and it'll encourage more and more people to consider going down that road," Goehring stressed.
Agriculture leaders said increased program activity not only helps the SNAP recipient but also the local vendors by expanding their customer base.
