Building Access at Haymaker Farmers Market: EBT System Launching This Season

One of my biggest goals for the market is to open up more pathways so that all citizens in our region can enjoy the abundant supply of fresh, seasonal foods from our talented farmers and market gardeners. Much of this work is about education and outreach. For instance, letting vendors know about the Portage County Senior Farmers Market Vouchers, WIC coupons, and WIC Farmers Market coupons.

Portage County Farmers Market vouchers and coupons were circulated this month for use from June through October. Haymaker Farmers Market vendors who accept coupons and vouchers for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables include: Heron Hill Farm, Black Dog Acres, Chaykowski Farm, Bella Terra Farm, and Shari’s Berries. They have signage at their booths notifying customers usually attached to the tent poles. Several others will be signing up to accept the vouchers this season, so stay tuned to this blog for updates. 

Another way the market can help build access for people who are experiencing food insecurity is by donating excess produce at the end of the market day. In past years, this has been a bit of a patchwork quilt of volunteer effort that has fed many hungry people, but it has also often left produce unused because it couldn't get into the right hands at the right time. My neighbor and minister, Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, put me in contact with Christie Anderson from Kent Social Services, and we're going to work together to try to make a plan for regular, effective donation dispersal.

The big news that I'm thrilled to share is that we won't need to wait until the 2012 federal and state grant rounds begin to get funding for our wireless EBT/credit/debit system after all. I presented an update about the market to the Kent Environmental Council recently, and I mentioned our desire to begin this program at our market and our lack of funds to do so. After reviewing the cost breakout for purchasing equipment and tokens, and paying startup fees, KEC graciously donated the entire $1,500 for us to get the program going this year. Having this access at the market fits in with their mission of making Kent a more sustainable place to live, and it is a reflection of their support for building a strong local food economy.

I'm beginning the process now, and I hope to have access for customers to swipe their Ohio Direction Card for $1 increment tokens, or credit/debit tokens in $5 increments, by the end of July. That will give three months of prime market season access to many members of our community who have long wished to purchase their fruits and vegetables locally.  

I'd love to hear any other ideas readers might have for building access at the market. As we put our long-term vision together, we want to take into consideration the needs of the community, so please don't be shy. Tell me what you think!