Meghann Myers - Grant to boost use of food stamps at farmers markets

Farmers markets are a popular source of reasonably priced fresh produce, but across the country many accept only cash or checks – a big problem for low-income shoppers using food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to change that.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan this week announced a $4 million grant for states to help implement wireless technology that will allow more farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps.

Markets need wireless Internet or land-line connections in order to accept payments from customers using government benefits, a system known as Electronic Benefits Transfer. The system isn’t always available for outdoor markets in parks or parking lots, and small markets often can’t afford to set up the technology.

Two years ago, Jeff Dabbelt of Lexington Farmers Market in Lexington, Ky., set up a machine on his own to accept EBT payments. “I had to convince my directors that it was going to be worth the additional cost,” he said.

Last year, the market brought in $14,000 from EBT cards, Dabbelt said.

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