FSP Benefits in Season at Seven Baltimore Area Farmers’ Markets
Baltimore, Md. – July 22, 2011 – Farmers’ markets are in full swing and Maryland Hunger Solutions is partnering with seven markets in the Baltimore area to ensure that Food Supplement Program (FSP) benefits, which are distributed electronically onto EBT cards, can be accepted. The markets are also offering FSP participants up to five additional dollars in Baltimore Bucks to spend at the market while funds allow.
In 2010, Maryland Hunger Solutions worked with three Baltimore City farmers’ markets to install wireless electronic benefits transfer (EBT) machines as a means of increasing access to fresh produce for Baltimore residents with FSP benefits. The three markets- Waverly/32nd Street, Park Heights Community Market at Pimlico and Highlandtown, became the first farmers’ markets in Baltimore City to accept EBT cards, expanding access to healthy food for city residents.
This year, Maryland Hunger Solutions has expanded the project to include the Go Life/Cylburn and West Baltimore MARC farmers’ markets in Baltimore City and the Catonsville (Wednesday) and Kenilworth markets in Baltimore County. We are thankful for the generous continued support from the Abell Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the Wholesome Wave Foundation. Already this season, the seven markets have enabled customers with FSP benefits to buy more than $6,500 of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread, and more.
Make plans to visit a local farmers' market:
- Participate in the Buy Local Challenge: Visit one of our partner markets this week and pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farm from July 23-31 as a part of the Buy Local Challenge.
- To locate a market accepting EBT, go to www.ebtfarmersmarkets.org. Note that as of July 30th, the Go Life/Cylburn market will be in the parking lot of the Cylburn Arboretum (4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore 21209).
