Definition
Story Behind the Curve
In 2021 & 2022, Stanly Commons Farmers Market recieved a "Double Bucks" grant from Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) that helped extend the buying power of EBT, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program shoppers. Sales represented on the graph represent the actual amounts spent by EBT shoppers without the double bucks benefit. The grant was not available in 2023, resulting in a significant decrease in EBT use at the farmers market.
Partners
Stanly County Health Department
Stanly County WIC (Women, Infants, & Children)
Stanly County Senior Center
Stanly County Department of Social Services
Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA
What Works
The use of SNAP/EBT (food stamp) benefits at the farmers market allows low income families to buy fresh and local produce. Local farmers also benefit by being able to increase sales to include customers who may not normally have the funds to shop at the farmers market.
Action Plan
To again increase farmers market EBT use, additional grant funding will be explored.