Joseph Gabiou, left, from Wobbly Cart Farm in Rochester, grabs a bag for customers purchasing produce from his stand at the farmers market on July 14, 2017.
People walk through the farmers market in Chehalis during the first Friday Night Market on July 14, 2017.
Asparagus is portioned out at a stand at the farmers market in Chehalis last June.
The Community Farmers Market at Chehalis is hoping to put nutritious and locally grown food into more kitchens in 2018 by creating an EBT incentive program.
EBT, which stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is commonly known as food stamps, has been accepted at the market previously, but organizers are seeking to establish a matching fund in advance of the next market season. That program would reward EBT users with additional funds any time they purchase an EBT token at the market.
“Like most of us, EBT shoppers need to do all they can to stretch their food dollars — that need encourages them to make food choices that are not always in the best interests of their health or the health of their children. The least expensive foods often provide bulk without much nutrition,” noted Market Manager Vicki Muething in a press release. “If we can help EBT shoppers purchase healthy, locally grown food, the overall health of our community can improve. What’s more, the majority of the dollars spent at a farmers market stay in the local economy instead of supporting a huge retail chain. Stretching EBT dollars at the market is a win for everyone.”
In order to stock the coffers for the EBT incentive program, Muething is asking the community to consider donating to the cause. She estimates that the market will need at least $2,500 in the EBT matching fund prior to the 2018 market and promises that each dollar will go directly to match EBT purchases.
“The primary benefit will be to give lower income families access to healthier food, but secondary benefits include better health in our community, a stronger market and more money staying in our local economy,” wrote Muething in an email to The Chronicle.
Donations from individuals or organizations can be mailed to the Community Farmers Market of Chehalis, c/o WSU Extension, 351 NW North St., Chehalis, WA, 98532. Additional information is available online at chehalisfarmersmarket.com or by emailing market manager Vicki Muething at info@chehalisfarmersmarket.com.
