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MIFMA Receives USDA Grant for EBT Work
at Farmers Markets

September 29, 2008: Even more Michigan residents will have access to fresh, local food at farmers markets, thanks to the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) who just received a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant to continue its work with accepting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) at farmers markets.

The USDA recently announced 85 grants totaling more than $3.4 million directed by the new farm bill to spread the use of farmers markets, and 18 of the 85 grants promote EBT to help low-income consumers buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables.  Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), the host organization for MIFMA operations, received $44,725 to improve low-income consumers’ access to and utilization of farmers markets and to expand the customer base and enhance sales volume of Michigan farmers who sell at markets.

“Our vision is to place farmers markets at the forefront of the local food movement and ensure all residents have access to healthy, locally grown food,” said Dru Montri, MIFMA Project Manager. “This grant will help us get more fresh fruits and vegetables to the residents and families who need it most by helping more farmers markets and local vendors accept food stamps and offer EBT at their markets.”

This project, which will run from October 2008 to December 2009, will address the critical issue of market access for low-income households, children and seniors through a statewide working group partnership and will develop consumer education strategies for nutrition, food preparation and new products at the Michigan farmers markets that currently accept food stamps.

In 2006, only three of Michigan’s 150 farmers markets were authorized and equipped to accept Bridge Cards, but through MIFMA’s work in 2007, 11 more markets got on board with EBT.  This summer, 18 farmers markets were accepting Bridge Cards, and with this project, that number will only go up.

Because of this work dedication to Michigan farmers, markets and families, MIFMA and its partnering organizations were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the USDA in February 2008 to recognize the efforts to increase the number of farmers markets serving Michigan Bridge Card clients.

“Today, more than $1.3 billion in federal food assistance benefits are spent annually,” said Montri.  This growth represents both a need and an opportunity, she said. Michigan farmers markets need to increase their accessibility to low-income individuals through the acceptance of alternative purchasing methods.  This increased access is also an opportunity to enhance sales volume for Michigan farmers while providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income households.

For more information about MIFFS or MIFMA, visit www.miffs.org or www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

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Founded in 1998, MIFFS is a statewide membership organization (501c3) whose purpose is to promote diverse efforts that foster and sustain food and farming systems that improve economic, ecological and social well-being. MIFFS has been effective at establishing successful partnerships among producers, markets and institutions that have created more profitable, environmentally friendly food systems in Michigan.

The organization’s vision is based on the premise that agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship and profitability reinforce each other for the benefit of Michigan’s rural and urban communities. To learn more, please visit www.miffs.org or call (517) 432-0712.