Richfield Farmers Market EBT Program Allows Better Access to Healthy Foods

In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, the recently announced it was now accepting EBT (electronic benefits transfer), making it easier for people who receive food support to eat healthier, affordable food, according to a market press release.

The effort to implement EBT at local farmers markets was coordinated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA).

MFMA, with funding received through a Specialty Crop Grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), recently installed the point-of-sale terminals to accept EBT cards at the Richfield Farmers Market. In addition, Blue Cross and MFMA are offering “Market Bucks” coupons, which matches the first $5 in EBT purchases—giving the customer $10 of food for just $5.

“The Richfield Farmers Markets are pleased to have the addition of the EBT and Market Bucks program,” said Cheryl Dragotis, market manager, in the release. “It will enhance the ability of our customers not only to eat healthy, but also to stretch their food dollars, while increasing the income of their local growers.”

To use EBT dollars at the market, customers much purchase EBT tokens first. There is a table with an orange banner to do so.

The following are the items that can be purchased with an EBT tokens:

• Fruits
• Vegetables; 
• Breads;
• Meat;
• Fish;
• Poultry;
• Dairy products;
• Maple and honey products;
• Baked goods that are wrapped, labeled and intended for home consumption;
• Jams;
• Sauces;
• Soups.

The Market Bucks Program will run through the end of the market season. The Richfield market is open from 2-6 p.m. Fridays at and from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays at . For more information, visit richfieldfarmersmarket.org.