Farmers Markets and SNAP – California

Food stamps growing at farmers markets, By Michele Clock, February 17, 2010, San Diego Union-Tribune: “Every weekend Patricia Andrews sets up elaborate displays of locally produced honey at farmers markets around the county. A good chunk of her business comes from people on food stamps. ‘Not everybody has a lot of expendable income,’ Andrews said after squeezing a sample of the gooey, golden stuff into a spoon for a customer at the Mission Valley Farmers Market. But just four of 42 farmers markets in San Diego County, and less than 15 percent across the state, accept food stamps. That may soon change…”
Lawmakers help food stamps get to farmers markets, By Cathy Bussewitz (AP), February 16, 2010, Woodland Daily Democrat: “Tina Tennyson loved to make raspberry jam using the fresh fruit she bought at the farmers market in San Jose. When she recently moved to Sacramento, she hit a stumbling block: The local market didn’t accept food stamps. Like most farmers markets across the state, the one held Sundays in the state capital only accepts cash. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would help the markets get equipment to accept electronic food stamp benefits cards — joining legislatures nationwide considering similar measures they hope will expand the menu of fresh food options for the poor as food stamp enrollment soars…”