Food stamp customers now have an extra incentive to use their EBT card at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, one that will entitle them to $16 worth of produce and products from participating vendors for just $10.
Since the beginning of the 2012 market season in May, individuals purchasing $10 worth of EBT tokens for use at the market have received an additional $2 incentive coupon courtesy of the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, the Lexington Co-operative Market and the Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition.
Now, thanks to New York State’s Fresh Connect Farmers’ Markets program, participants will receive an additional $2 rebate check for every $5 EBT purchase. Therefore, anyone purchasing $10 worth of EBT tokens at the market will now receive a $2 coupon and $4 in rebate checks, allowing them to purchase $16 worth of merchandise from eligible vendors. A $5 EBT purchase will result in a $2 rebate check.
The Fresh Connect Farmers’ Markets program is designed to assist farmers by increasing the sale of locally-grown food, especially in underserved communities, in order to improve nutrition and create jobs.
The new rebate check program begins immediately, and rebate checks must be redeemed by Nov. 15, 2012. The $2 coupon incentive offered by the market will continue until funds for the program have been exhausted.
For more information, please visit the Elmwood Village Association table, located near the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, during market hours. The market is held rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
