Alexandria Farmers Market kicks off 2012 season

The Alexandria Farmers Market kicks off its season Saturday, May 19 and will once again accept electronic benefits transfer (EBT) and offer Market Bucks for people who receive food support, thanks to a coordinated effort by the Market, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA).

Last year, MFMA, with funding received through a Specialty Crop Grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, installed point-of-sale terminals enabling participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use electronic benefits transfer (EBT) at the Richfield Farmers Market.

As an added incentive for SNAP recipients to give the market a try and eat more fruits and vegetables, Blue Cross and MFMA are again offering “Market Bucks” coupons. Market Bucks provide a dollar-for-dollar match on EBT card purchases, up to $5 each market day. That amounts to $10 of food for just $5; a great value in tight economic times.

The Alexandria Farmers Market is located in Big Ole Central Park, south of Lake Agnes on the Central Lakes Trail, one-half block north of the Chamber Office and Runestone Museum, Broadway and 2nd Avenue. Hours are Tuesdays 9 a.m. to noon starting June 26 to October 30; Thursdays: 3 to 6 p.m. from June 21 to October 25; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon starting May 19 to October 27.

For more information about the Alexandria Farmers Market visit www.mfma.org. Also, a copy of Blue Cross’ 2011 Electronic Benefit Transfer and Farmers Market Initiative Evaluation Report can be downloaded at bluecrossmn.com/preventionminnesota.

Tags: local news, farmers market, news