Richmond – For low income Vermonters, $1 is now worth $2, at least at some Vermont farmers’ markets. Customers enrolled in the 3SquaresVT program (formerly Food Stamps) can now double their benefits at 5 pilot farmers’ markets across the state, thanks to a program of NOFA Vermont.

PRESS RELEASE
For more information:
Jean Hamilton, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA Vermont)
802-434-4122
jean@nofavt.org
www.nofavt.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2, 2009

The program, known as the Harvest Health Coupon Program, works like this: for every $2 a customer accesses with a 3SquaresVT electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, they will receive a $2 Harvest Health Coupon, up to $10 per week. Coupons will be distributed through October, or until funding runs out, at the Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market, Bellows Falls Farmers’ Market, Capital City Farmers’ Market, Old North End Farmers’ Market, and Winooski Farmers’ Market.
 
“With the Harvest Health Coupon Project, these five Vermont farmers’ markets are joining markets in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington DC, and California in piloting a coupon incentive project to encourage low-income Americans to shop at farmers’ markets. This program allows more low income Vermonters to purchase farm-fresh, nutritious food at farmers’ markets” said Jean Hamilton, project coordinator with NOFA Vermont.

Over $8 million of 3squaresVT benefits are allocated to participating Vermonters each month. 16 farmers’ markets in Vermont now accept 3SquaresVT EBT card and debit card transactions.
 
The project is generously funded by the Ben and Jerry's Foundation and the Wholesome Wave Foundation.

#          #          #

NOFA Vermont, working for local farms, healthy food, and strong communities since 1971