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Two-for-One Bonus Dollars Available for EBT Customers
On August 25, Governor Bill Richardson announced a major award of $50,0000 of stimulus funding for SNAP recipients (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program, formerly known as food stamps) to use at local farmers' markets.
Beginning the week of August 30, 16 farmers' markets across the state that accept EBT will begin to put the program into action. The money will be distributed to customers through a "Bonus Incentive Program." Shoppers who use their EBT card will receive an equal number of "bonus" tokens that can be spent on all eligible food purchases at their local farmers' market.
The governor, along with the New Mexico Human Services Department, wants to make sure that in these challenging economic times, SNAP recipients in particular, are encouraged to buy the freshest, healthiest fruits and vegetables available. $47,000 will be used for food benefits, with the remaining $3,000 used for program outreach and supplies.
"This is a classic win-win program--good for SNAP recipients and farmers alike," said Denise Miller, executive director of the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association (NMFMA). "The funding is arriving just as harvest season is in full swing and the selection of locally grown food is at its peak."
The NMFMA has been helping markets across the state adopt the wireless technology necessary to take EBT cards since 2006, and this year alone, 10 new markets signed up for EBT machines to make it easier for people in their communities to shop for locally grown and produced food.
New Mexico farmers' markets that accept EBT are:
• Albuqueque Downtown Growers Market - Albuquerque
• Aztec Farmers' Market - Aztec
• Belen Farmers Market - Belen
• Bernalillo Farmers Market - Bernalillo
• Clovis Farmers' Market - Clovis
• Edgewood Farmers' Market - Edgewood
• El Valle Farmers' Market - Ribera
• Espanola Farmers' Market - Espanola
• Farmington Growers' Market - Farmington
• Los Lunas Farmers' Market - Los Lunas
• Mountain View Farmers' Market - Las Cruces
• Pojoaque Farmers' Market - Pojoaque
• Santa Fe Farmers' Market - Santa Fe
• Sierra County Farmers' Market - Truth or Consequences
• Shiprock Farmers' Market - Shiprock
• Silver City Farmers' Market - Silver City
The SNAP program currently serves more than 157,000 New Mexico families with incomes up to 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Recipients are encouraged to participate in the program during September when food selection is at its peak. The Bonus Incentive Program will run until funds are expended, when markets close for the season (mostly the end of October), or through the end of the calendar year.
