Poulsbo Farmers Market Only Kitsap Market Chosen to Participate in Two-Year WSFMA Wireless Technology Pilot Project
Poulsbo, WA – March 24, 2009 – The Poulsbo Farmers Market announced today that it will begin accepting credit, debit and Electronic Benefits Transfers (EBT Food Stamps) on opening day, April 11th for the purchase of market goods, including fresh, local farm products.
The Poulsbo Farmers Market is one of twenty farmers markets across Washington State chosen through a competitive grant process to participate in a Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) Wireless Technology Pilot Project. The pilot project was made possible through the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Initiative, passed by the State Senate and House of Representatives last spring.
The Poulsbo Farmers Market is the only Kitsap-based farmers market chosen to participate in the WSFMA Wireless Technology Pilot Project.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer credit, debit and EBT Food Stamps service to our vendors and customers,” said Margaret Hudson, Poulsbo Farmers Market Board President. “No more running to the bank to get cash for market purchases required. Just bring your credit, debit, Quest or SNAP cards to the market manager’s booth to purchase tokens for use with individual vendors.”
The intent of the project is to increase access to fresh, high quality locally grown food through Washington State farmers markets for all Washington residents. Data collected from project participants throughout the two-year pilot will help measure the tangible benefits of the program on participating farmers markets, their vendors and customers in the future.
“This is an incredible opportunity to serve a segment of the population that hasn’t historically shopped for local, fresh produce at farmers markets in Washington,” said Jackie Aitchison, executive director of the Washington State Farmers Market Association. “Plus, the addition of credit/debit will enable market vendors to increase their sales, boosting their bottom line and the local economy.”
For more information about the WSFMA Wireless Technology Pilot Project or the Poulsbo Farmers Market visit Poulsbo Farmers Market or call Jackie Aitchison, Market Manager at 360-779-6720.
About the Poulsbo Farmers Market
The Poulsbo Farmers Market is a seasonal market offering fresh, locally grown produce, prepared foods and handcrafted products direct to the Kitsap community. Launched in 2004, the Poulsbo Market has grown to over 50 vendors today. The market hosts a wide range of family and food-oriented programs, including live music every Saturday, demos by local chefs and youth activities. Open Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm from mid-April to mid-October each year, the market is located in the Poulsbo Village Medical/Dental Center parking lot at the corner of Iverson and 7th Avenue in Poulsbo. For more information about the Poulsbo Farmers Market contact 360-779-6720, email info@poulsbofarmersmarket.org, or visit Poulsbo Farmers Market.
It’s wonderful that you’re going to be able to accept EBT cards. People living on limited incomes frequently don’t have the opportunity to purchase locally produced food.
With the economy in the condition it is, I fear we will see more and more people using food stamps to help keep their families fed.
I hope to hear about the results of the pilot project.