The Piqua Community Farmers Market is excited to announce that the local market is now able to provide additional funding for those who shop with their EBT card at the market. Through a program called Produce Perks, any customer who uses their EBT card at the market can double their return. “For families who rely on SNAP (Food Stamps), fresh produce is often off the table – literally. Produce Perks is bringing “produce-purchasing power” to our local families who need it most.” says Lorna Swisher, Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua.
Families shopping with SNAP at the market will have their transaction doubled to spend on fruits and vegetables. It’s all part of a partnership with the national non-profit Produce Perks Midwest. “We all know we should eat fruits and vegetables daily, but families struggling with poverty often simply cannot afford them. That’s where this program comes in.” says Swisher.
Each time SNAP customers use their card at the market they will receive a matching amount for more fresh fruits and vegetables. There’s no enrollment or paperwork to fill out; shoppers receive the benefit automatically. For example, a customer may chose to make a $10 transaction with their EBT card and they can use those tokens for all EBT eligible foods. They will also receive $10 in Produce Perks tokens that can only be used for fruits and vegetables.
Shoppers who would like to take advantage of the Produce Perks incentive and use their EBT card at the market can bring their card to the Info Booth located next to the McCulloch statue in the middle of the market.
The Piqua Community Farmers Market is held each Thursday from 3 – 6 p.m. on High Street in front of the Piqua Public Library. The market continues through September 10.
