Yesterday, I went to the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market. I haven't been there in years, but I wanted to check out the new token program. The token program allows those who have SNAP to actually use their benefits at the farmers market by having their Wisconsin Quest card (foodshare card) run through a mobile card reader and receiving tokens valued at $1 each. Bank debit cards can also be run through if you have forgotten to bring cash for your purchases.
I love this program! This is an opportunity for SNAP recipients to purchase the freshest fruits and vegetables they can find and the money goes to local farmers and businessmen. Add to that the fact that people who are not on SNAP are getting tokens with their debit cards, so there is no stigma to using tokens at the different vendor tables.
The tokens can be purchased only from 9:00 to 12:30 on Saturday but can be used throughout the week at the farmers market. Some vendors have signs up that say they take the tokens and some don't. I spent mine at a vendor who did not have a sign; but when I asked if he took tokens he was quick to assure me he did. The farmers trade in the tokens for cash value, so a lot of them are on board with this program. If they don't display a sign, ask before you pick out your produce.
If you haven't been to the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market, please go. It is a wonderful experience! There are vendors who sell plants and flowers, meat producers, cheese makers, coffee companies, bakeries, and of course produce growers galore! A band plays every Saturday adding extra joy to the occasion. Shopping should be fun, and shopping for healthy foods is fun thanks to the farmers market!
http://www.ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com/
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