HomeAlpharetta NewsAlpharetta Farmers Market launches EBT token system for fresh food purchases

Alpharetta Farmers Market launches EBT token system for fresh food purchases

Alpharetta, Georgia – The City of Alpharetta, working with the Alpharetta Business Association (ABA), is pleased to announce the integration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the Alpharetta Farmers Market in a major step to make fresh, nutritious food more accessible. Beginning in April, this program seeks to assist local businesses and farmers as well as give low-income families and older residents more access to affordable food choices.

Receivers of the SNAP program will be able to obtain wooden tokens at the farmers market using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. These tokens, which range in $1 and $5 denominations, can then be used to buy a range of qualified food products from collaborating stores. By linking customers directly with growers and producers, this system not only provides simple access to fresh fruit, meats, dairy, and grains but also promotes the local food economy.

“By incorporating the SNAP/EBT program into our farmers market, we’re not only addressing food insecurity but also supporting our local food system,” said Jim Gilvin, City of Alpharetta Mayor, in a news release. “This initiative reflects our city’s dedication to offering the highest quality environment for our residents and businesses, while fostering a strong sense of community.”

During community workshops held in 2021 as part of the City Agriculture Plan, the demand to offer SNAP at the Alpharetta Farmers Market was noted as top priority. Following the December 2022 ratification of the plan, the ABA has closely collaborated with municipal officials and community organizations to satisfy U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) criteria for being a SNAP-approved market.

“We are very happy to offer this service to the community and to expand the customer base for our market vendors,” said Beth Johnson, Board Member of the Alpharetta Business Association We know from talking with other farmers markets that introducing this program truly benefits everyone.”

SNAP users may visit the ABA tent at the market to convert their EBT credits for tokens. Participating merchants will trade these tokens for food, and at the end of every market day they can turn in the tokens for credit-backoff. By setting semi-monthly payments via PayPal, the Alpharetta Farmers Market has simplified this process and guarantees sellers’ seamless functioning.

The start of this initiative is designed to not only reduce food poverty for lower-income Alpharetta residents but also encourage better eating habits by making fresh, locally produced food affordable and easily available. Those vendors who want to take part in the program will get appropriate guidance on program rules and approved products to guarantee compliance and simplicity of transaction.

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The official website of the Alpharetta Farmers Market provides information on the SNAP/EBT program or interested in participating residents and businesses can obtain more info by getting in touch with the market manager. With sustainable and equitable food access options, this project marks a major progress toward Alpharetta’s dedication to improve the welfare of its community.

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