Let’s Make the Farmers’ Market a Place for Everyone

Guest blogger, Angela Smith-Dieng,
3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont

Last weekend I visited my local farmers’ market for the first time this season.  The weather was beautiful, the market was festive, and the food was as fresh and delicious as I remember from last year.  Every time I go, I am reminded what a privilege it is to live in Vermont where so much value is placed on healthy living, shopping locally and supporting our farming economy.  I am also proud of the fact that Vermont is working hard to make sure that all residents, no matter their income, are able to shop at the farmers’ market. 

In 2014 over 40 Vermont farmers’ markets now accept EBT cards, which hold 3SquaresVT benefits. 3SquaresVT is an important federal nutrition program that provides over 90,000 Vermonters with money to buy food for their families. Hunger Free Vermont works collaboratively with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, the Agency of Agriculture, and the Department for Children and Families to increase EBT access at farmers’ markets in our state and to inform and educate 3SquaresVT participants about the option.  Last year’s outreach efforts helped increase EBT usage at Vermont’s farmers’ markets by 12% from the previous year.

I hear all the time from struggling Vermonters that they wish they could afford more fruits and vegetables.  The hard reality is that when budgets are tight, food is the first item cut, and many families simply do not have enough 3SquaresVT benefits to be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.  The good news is research shows that when provided with more money, families are more likely to buy fruits and vegetables.  To bring more of these families to the farmers’ market and help them better afford more fresh food, most Vermont farmers’ markets that accept EBT also offer Harvest Health coupons, which provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to ten dollars per market day.  Beginning in July, when 3SquaresVT participants swipe their EBT card, they will automatically receive the bonus coupons, helping to stretch their food budget and put more money into the hands of Vermont farmers.  

With additional outreach, EBT usage at farmers’ markets can increase much more.  The number one reason why 3SquaresVT participants do not shop at the farmers’ market is that they do not know they can.  Many do not know where the market is or when it’s open.  Very few know about Harvest Health coupons.  These are basic barriers that we are working hard to overcome with intensive outreach at the local level.  Last summer, Hunger Free Vermont’s intern spoke face-to-face with hundreds of 3SquaresVT participants, encouraging them to shop at three small farmers’ markets in their neighborhoods and explaining how to use their card at the market.  By the end of the season, EBT usage at these three farmers’ markets had increased by 35-65%.  What this tells me is that many 3SquaresVT participants do want to use their benefits for healthy, local foods, and when provided with knowledge and opportunity, they will do so. 

Angela Smith-Dieng speaking at our recent
3SquaresVT Outreach and Policy Conference

At Hunger Free Vermont, we believe in social sustainability, that access to nutritious, affordable food should be built into the fabric of all communities.  With this goal in mind, we will continue to work diligently with our partners across Vermont to help increase this access at farmers’ markets, so that all Vermonters can enjoy the pleasures of healthy food and a strong local community on market day and beyond.

To find a farmers’ market near you that accepts EBT, visit vermontfoodhelp.com or dial 2-1-1.