Farmers’ Market Food Access Programs
Deep roots never doubt spring will come.
Marty Rubin
In 2012 Sustainable CAPE developed the Fresh Kids Awards and the next year we received a USDA grant for an EBT processing machine to accept both SNAP and credit cards. Since then, our farmers’ market food access programs have grown, as well as our commitment to connecting every socio-economic level to healthful, local food at our Provincetown and Truro Educational Farmers’ Markets – and beyond.
Today, our programs increase the affordability of local foods for SNAP card holders, those with WIC or Senior Discount Coupons, veterans, and local schoolchildren. Our farmers’ market token system for both credit cards and food access programs offers choice and anonymity in the purchasing process, while ensuring the harvesters are paid in full.
Additionally, through Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition, we assist other Cape Cod markets in implementing, operating, and funding these food access programs. Together we increase food access, provide nutritious food to neighbors in need, leverage both private and government funding, support local farmers and fishers, improve our economy, and create a stronger and more resilient local food system.
Sustainable CAPE’s Bonus Match
Would you like to double your purchasing power at the farmers’ market?
When you purchase food at participating farmers’ markets with a SNAP card, SUN Bucks, or a WIC or Senior Discount Coupon, we’ll provide a weekly Bonus Match of up to $10 in tokens. Stop by the info table and a $10 purchase will yield you $20 in tokens!
We raise private funds to provide Bonus Match tokens to increase affordability, encourage return visits, and better support out local harvesters. We hope you’ll join us!
Note: The Sustainable CAPE Farmers’ Market Coalition exists to provide technical support, expertise, and funding to other Cape & Islands farmers’ markets to run the Bonus Match Program.
More about: SNAP | SUN Bucks | WIC | Senior Discount Coupons | Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition
SNAP / HIP
With a SNAP card you are not only eligible for our Bonus Match, but for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) as well!
As a Massachusetts SNAP card holder, you can receive an immediate refund on your card for each dollar spent on fruits and vegetables directly from participating farmers’ markets or vendors. Monthly limits of $40-80 depend upon family size. By combining HIP each week with our Bonus Match, you can receive up to $80-120/month in produce at no cost – while supporting local farmers, who are paid in full!
Note: Interested in using HIP to get fresh local fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door once the markets close for the season? Learn about our winter CSA+ Program.
More about: Sustainable CAPE’s Bonus Match | SNAP | HIP | Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition | Locating Mass HIP Vendors with DTA Finder
WIC / Senior Discount Coupons
Have you heard of MDAR’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program? It enables you to redeem your WIC or Senior farmers’ market coupons directly with certified farmers at our markets. Make sure to stop by our info table as you can combine your coupons with our Bonus Match too!
As part of the Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program (WIC), local WIC offices distribute farmers’ market coupons for fruits and vegetables to eligible families. Contact your nearest WIC office for more information.
Elder Services distributes farmers’ market coupons to income-eligible seniors on Cape Cod via the local Councils on Aging (COA). Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Coupons are distributed upon request – inquire through your town’s COA.
More about: MDAR’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program for WIC & Seniors | Sustainable CAPE’s Bonus Match | WIC Offices | Cape Cod COAs | Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition | Locating Mass Vendors with MassGrown Map
Sustainable CAPE’s Project Gratitude for Veterans
Calling all veterans! We want to thank you for your service and enlist your help in supporting local farmers on the Cape & Islands.
In appreciation for your service, we’d love to thank you in person and gift you $10 weekly in tokens to spend with your farmer(s) of choice. Register at the farmers’ market info table with a DD214 to join us in supporting our local harvesters, their businesses, and our region’s economy.
A grant in 2018 enabled us to develop and launch Project Gratitude to connect veterans and farmers. The Project continues to expand as funding allows; encouraging conversation between those in service to our land, strengthening the health of our community, and growing a stronger and more resilient local food system.
More about: Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition
Sustainable CAPE’s Fresh Kids’ Awards
Through Sustainable CAPE’s Farmer-in-the-School Program, children gain hands-on skills in the garden while learning about our local food system. After completing a season’s work, each student receives a Fresh Kids’ Award to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at their local farmers’ market.
These awards not only enable each child to purchase healthy food for their family at a local farmers’ market at no cost, but double as education about the benefits and incentives available to low-income families at farmer’s markets. By linking schoolchildren and their families to farmer’s markets, we connect our community to farmers, fishermen, and available food access programs for affordable, nutritious foods throughout our Farmers’ Market Coalition.
More about: Sustainable CAPE’s Farmer-in-the-School Program | Sustainable CAPE’s Farmers’ Market Coalition
