New farmers market opens in Squirrel Hill
Click to watch the video at wtae.com
Since launching at two farmers markets in May of 2013, Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program is now at 9 farmers markets… and booming!
Fresh Access enables the use of food stamp, credit, and debit purchases from participating vendors at these markets. At the Just Harvest tent, shoppers swipe their card and receive tokens, which can be used as cash.
As of June 30, the dollar value of Fresh Access’s total sales this market season (May-November) had quadrupled since the same time last year, reaching $24,800 by mid-July. The number of food stamp (Access/EBT card) transactions are now almost triple what they were a year prior, and the number of credit/debit transactions are up fivefold.
Click to see where Fresh Access operates
Everybody loves Fresh Access – shoppers, farmers (these sales figures represent money in their pockets), and the nearby communities who benefit from these thriving markets. Who doesn’t love improving access to fresh, locally-grown, nutritious food?
Stay tuned for the work we’re doing to make sure this fresh produce is not just accessible but affordable for our lowest-income neighbors. In the meantime, spread the word yourself about Fresh Access!
Do you know somewhere that could use a Fresh Access poster? Contact Katie Mahoney at (412) 431-8960 x110 or [email protected].
I am in love Emily Schmidlapp! Not only is she so very beautiful but she is also kick ass at her job and a great person!