by Carl Baker on 2014-07-30

Getting fresh food is a SNAP at the City of Redlands Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market. SNAP/EBT cards are now welcome at the weekly Saturday Morning Farmers' Market, making it simple to bring home high quality, fresh, wholesome nutrient-rich food from local farms. In addition to healthy eating, shopping at the City of Redlands Saturday Morning Farmers' Market also boosts the local economy. The City of Redlands recently received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Food and Nutrition Service to begin accepting SNAP/EBT benefits at the City's Saturday Morning Farmers' Market. Working in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the city has acquired the electronic EBT card processing equipment allowing customers to securely swipe their EBT card, enter a PIN number, and receive special farmers' market scrip to make eligible food purchases directly from the market vendors. With this new functionality, more Redlands residents can purchase fresh food products that provide good nutrition for their families while at the same time supporting their local farmers and producers. “We want everyone in our community, regardless of income, to have access to quality, nutritious foods at our farmers’ market,” said Heather Smith, project manager. “That’s our main goal.” The City of Redlands Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, excluding holidays from 8 to 11 a.m. The market is located in the municipal parking lot on Redlands Boulevard between Fifth and Sixth Streets. “We look forward to welcoming more people to the Saturday Morning Farmers' Market,” Smith said. “Please come and check it out.” For more information regarding the City of Redlands SNAP/EBT program or the Redlands certified farmers' markets, please contact Heather Smith, project manager, at (909)798-7629.