Eagan-based Blue Cross Teams with SNAP for EBT at Farmers Markets

Originally reported by Wendy Erlien, Maple Grove Patch

Minnesotans participating in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards at the ever-popular summer traditions - the local farmers market.

SNAP is the former "Food Stamp" program, funded nationally by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

It is the first year select vendors are participating, a trend that is occurring across more than 50 markets in the state.

“Our Market is a cornerstone of the Maple Grove community,” said Kirsten Bansen Weigle, the Maple Grover Farmers Market Manager. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our tenth year by making nutritious, fresh, local food available to even more members of the community. ”

The partnership includes the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Eagan-based Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), which offers an incentive for SNAP participants to purchase vegetables, fruits and other eligible products directly from local farmers. 

Each market day, SNAP participants can not only use their EBT for qualifying purchases – but also take part in an incentive offered by Blue Cross that “matches EBT card purchases with up to an additional $5 in ‘Market Bucks’ once each market day. Market Bucks can be used during the same trip or anytime during 2013 market season on SNAP eligible purchases,” according to a release from Blue Cross.

“It’s a great way to encourage more consumption of fresh produce,” said Bansen Weigle.

SNAP participants interested in using their EBT card should first visit the Market Information booth at each market before seeing if the card can be used at participating vendors' booths.

In Maple Grove, approximately 20 vendors participate in the program at the Maple Grove Farmers Market, according to Bansen Weigle. Prominent signs are displayed at participating vendors.

"We hope that accepting SNAP benefits at the market through EBT will be a great resource for seniors, as well as families, in our community," she said.

The installation of terminals to accept EBT at farmers markets has grown slowly since Minnesota’s food support program moved from paper stamps to electronic form in 1998, according to the Blue Cross release.

“We know many people want to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, but the challenge is making the healthy choice easy and accessible for everyone,” said Janelle Waldock, director of the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross. “Enabling SNAP participants to use their EBT card at their neighborhood farmers market provides them greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables, creates a sense of community and can build demand for further public health improvements at a neighborhood level.”