Why Farmers' Markets?

As you might expect, farmers' markets sell locally grown vegetables and fruits, plants, meats, milk, eggs and cheese but it surprises some people to learn that bread, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsa, cut flowers and prepared foods are also available. These products are fresh and often healthier for you than similar items from regular grocery stores. Some vendors are certified organic.

But farmers' market purchases aren't just better tasting and better for you, they also support the farmers who live and work right here in our area. Shoppers at local farmers' markets help small, family-owned farms to thrive while getting a great deal on some of the highest-quality products available. Our work with the farmers' markets advances Just Harvest's mission, too. We strive to ensure that low-income families and individuals in Allegheny County and surrounding areas have access to the fresh, nutritious, affordable produce at their local markets.

How Does Just Harvest Help?

1. We helped five local farmers obtain federal and state approval, and wireless EBT machines, so that they could accept ACCESS cards/food stamps. This three year pilot program ended in 2006. Because of some challenges with the technology, we’re looking to make some changes and bring Food Stamps back to more markets in 2009.
2. We advocate for state funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program to help WIC recipients and senior citizens get government vouchers for free food at the markets.
3. We publish a list of local markets and farm stands on our website including market locations, bus lines, days, times and who accepts Food Stamps.
4. We surveyed all the local markets and put them up on Penn State's Agmap website.
5. We have assisted markets with publicity.
6. We have worked with the East Liberty Cooperative Farmers' Market and others to improve their sites and signage. In East Liberty, we arranged to have the parking lot paved and the building painted and decorated with farm-related murals.

How can I use Food Stamps?

In 2008, Food Stamps can only be used at the following Farm Stands:

• Addison Terrace Farm Stand
• Seton Brookline Farm Stand
• Clairton Farm Stand
• East Hills Farm Stand
• Hazelwood YMCA Farm Stand
• Hill House Farm Stand
• Homewood-Brushton Farm Stand
• Lawrenceville Farm Stand
• Lincoln-Larimer Farm Stand
• Millvale Borough Farm Stand
• Mon Yough Community Services Farm Stand
• Turtle Creek Valley Farm Stand

Please see the Complete Farmers’ Market Listing for more details about locations and times of each farm stand.

We’re learning from partners in other states and looking for ways to make using Food Stamps possible at more Farmers’ Markets in 2009.

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Vouchers

Four $5 vouchers are available to a limited number of Pennsylvania Seniors and WIC recipients each summer. Vouchers may only be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables grown or growable in Pennsylvania at Farmers’ Markets and Farm Stands. Farmers cannot give change if you do not spend the entire $5 value of each voucher. Many farmers accept the vouchers, but a few cannot, so ask the farmer or look for a sign if you are in doubt.

To be eligible, seniors must be at least 60 years old and have a total household income before taxes of less than $19,240 for a single person and $25,900 for a couple. For 2008, senior vouchers will be distributed at senior centers starting July 8th. This year you must provide proof of age and residency to receive a voucher. If you are unable to get to the senior center, you are allowed to send a friend or family member with appropriate identification and a proxy form available at the senior center. For more information, contact your local Senior Center or the Area Agency on Aging at 412-350-4219.

Eligible WIC recipients receive FMNP vouchers with their WIC checks in the spring.

How Can I Learn More?

• Complete list of Allegheny County Farmers’ Markets
• For more information about Farmers' Market coupons for seniors and WIC recipients contact:
  • Seniors: your local Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging 412-350-4219
  • WIC Recipients: Your local WIC office
• A searchable list of all agriculture-related businesses, including farmers’ markets, across Pennsylvania is at www.agmap.psu.edu.
• Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) has a directory of Pennsylvania family farms, farmers' markets, Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSA's), u-pick farms, restaurants, grocers, caterers and bakers, bed & breakfasts, and other businesses that sell locally grown farm products at www.buylocalpa.org.