City Farmers’ Market First in State to Accept Food Stamps

For Immediate Release August 14, 2007 City Farmers’ Market First in State to Accept Food Stamps Bloomington, IN -- Beginning this Saturday, the City of Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market will be the first farmers’ market in Indiana to accept food stamps through its Food Stamp Initiative. Food stamp beneficiaries will be able to use their HoosierWorks cards at the Farmers’ Market to electronically transfer food stamp funds in exchange for “Market Bucks,” vouchers that may be used to purchase food stamp-eligible items from Market vendors. “The Food Stamp Initiative will increase low income individuals’ access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and other farm products,” said Mayor Mark Kruzan. “It’s a great addition to our ongoing efforts to improve the community condition.” Marcia Veldman, Market Coordinator with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, said that the Bloomington Park and Recreation Foundation received an anonymous $5,000 donation to cover expenses incurred by the City in planning, developing and implementing the Food Stamp Initiative. “We are grateful to our partners at the USDA Food and Nutrition Services, and to our anonymous donor, for working with us to make this pilot program possible,” Veldman said. “It’s very much in keeping with this market’s unique character.” Food stamp beneficiaries who wish to take advantage of the Farmers’ Market’s Food Stamp Initiative should bring their HoosierWorks card to the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department table, located in the atrium inside City Hall at 401 N. Morton Street, during Saturday Market hours of 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. For more information about the Food Stamp Initiative at the Farmers’ Market, contact Veldman at 349-3738 or [veldmanm@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:veldmanm@bloomington.in.gov]. # # #