Kansas Farmers Market EBT Expansion Project: 2009 and 2010 Data
.jpg)
In 2010, both the Allen County and the Pittsurg farmers markets launched Farmers Market EBT Programs. This brings the total number of Kansas farmers markets with Vision card processing capacity to thirteen.
To see a complete list of Kansas Farmers Market EBT Programs, please click here.
While we're still working on transferring the 2010 EBT data into tables, we wanted to share the preliminary data below.
- 161.5% growth in amount of Food Assistance dollars spent at markets through swiping the Vision Card! From just over $10,000 in 2009 to over $26,000 in 2010.
- 220% growth in the number of Vision Card transactions–from 490 in 2009 to 1568 in 2010. Markets tripled the number of Vision Card swipes at Kansas farmers markets.
The Kansas Rural Center has received a KDA Specialty Crop Block Grant to assist six additional markets and four new farm stands in developing EBT processing capacity. For more information on this opportunity, please contact KRC's Farmers Market Project Coordinator Mercedes Taylor-Puckett by phone (785.840.6202) or mercedes [dot] taylorpuckett [at] gmail [dot] com (email).
Advocacy
I have attempted to advocate (through social networking) for the redemption value of Food Stamp benefits to be doubled at Farmer's Market in order to increase revenue to local farmers and assist low income families with eating more nutritiously. This is a program that has met with success in such states as Massachusetts. My first advocacy attempt was 2 mos. ago by sending an e-mail message to the Ks. Dept of Agriculture but have had no response. Yesterday, I made this recommendation electronically to a link for our governor Sam Brownback. If you can support this, and I would think you could, please promote advocacy for this effort that has already been successful elsewhere.
Re: Advocacy
Hi Joyce,
We definitely support EBT incentive programs!
I am fortunate for serve on the steering committee of the Beans&Greens program in the KC metro area. Click on over for details: http://beansandgreens.org/
Another example is the partnership between the Emporia Farmers Market and the Emil Babinger Charitable Trust. Read more on this here:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2011/aug/19/emporia-farmers-market-ha...
Typically the matching funds are raised through foundation/non-profit support. Few matching programs receive dollars from federal or state sources.
KRC has funding to assist with the launch of six new farmers market EBT programs. Currently, just 15% of Kansas farmers market are equipped to accept Food Stamps/SNAP.
We'll look into developing a white paper of farmers market EBT and incentive programs over the winter.
Thanks so much for advocating for healthy, local foods!
Post new comment