Posted: 9:08 AM Aug 17, 2012
Reporter: Brendan Ponton

Farmers Markets Can Receive Food Stamp Machines

The federal government, along with Virginia, announced a grant that will help farmers' markets pay for food stamp machines, called EBT machines.

The state will receive $92,000 towards paying for the machines. Local farmers' markets may be impacted. Organizers of the Staunton food market said they were thinking about applying, but were unsure if having the machines would really help their business. Organizers in Luray believe it could be a nice addition, and help expand their sales.

Matt Lohr, from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said the government recognizes how important these markets are to local economies.

"We all realize the benefits of locally grown fruits and vegetables as something very important. For folks that are low income and need additional assistance, many times they have a harder time getting locally grown food because they tend to be a little bit more expensive. So farmers' markets now being able to accept the snap vouchers is going to be a great opportunity for them," he said.

Harrisonburg already has EBT machines, and organizers believe it is a great asset to their market.

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