Another Springfield farmers market will cater to those on federal food assistance starting this weekend. KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more.
Two Springfield farmers markets currently accept payment with EBT cards--the Greater Springfield Farmers Market and Farmers Market of the Ozarks. The Electronic Bank Transfer Cards are issued to those who receive financial help for food through SNAP--the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. And, starting tomorrow, C-Street Market, near the Footbridge on Commercial Street, will begin accepting the cards.
Market director, Sarah Byrd, said it's a perfect fit.
"The community that the city market is located right in the middle of is designated by the USDA as a food desert meaning that there is not sufficient quality food within available distance to the people who live here," she said.
She said those in the area on food stamps will now be able to access healthy, fresh food.
Help will be available at C-Street Market tomorrow to let SNAP recipients know what they can buy with their EBT cards.
Byrd said now that they're authorized to accept SNAP benefits, they're eligible for some grant funding.
"To help us further implement the program, so we will be recording the community's usage of this for this season and that will help us further implement it and market it for next year for the rest of Springfield," she said.
Byrd pointed out that the market's emphasis is to promote a healthy lifestyle. There's yoga at the market as well as healthy cooking demonstrations.
C-Street Market is open Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm.
Learn more about C-Street Market here.
