By Lisa Carolin
May begins this Wednesday, and that means the Chelsea Farmers Market kicks off as well.
The first market is this Wednesday at the Chelsea State Bank parking lot at the intersection of M-52 and Old US-12, and the market has new hours – from 1-5 p.m.
Among the vendors at this season’s Wednesday market will be Brieland-Schoultz Farm, Jacob’s Fresh Farm Shares, K’s Acres, Needle Lane Farm, Pregitzer Farm, Bordine Farms, Golden Fleece Farms, Marks Farm, Kapnick Orchards, Affeathermations, LA Baguette, Stone Hearth Bakery, Doug Lavendar, Awakened Provisions, Sweet & Salty (cookies), Smellz So Good (candles), Jam Man, and Para Para Creamery.
Chelsea Farmers Market Manager Emily Griswold wants to remind shoppers that the market is trying to boost fresh food purchases from those using SNAP-Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars.
“We just want to make sure that folks who use SNAP dollars know that they can receive up to 20 free extra dollars to purchase fruits and veggies every market they attend when they redeem SNAP benefits,” she said. “Twenty dollars taken out in SNAP is equal to $20 in Double-Up Food Bucks.”
Kellie Boyd is the Double Up Food Bucks Director.
“Double Up Food Bucks program is part of the Fair Food Network and doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets and grocery stores, helping people bring home more fruits and vegetables, while also supporting local farmers,” said Boyd.
Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible to use the Double-Up Food Bucks program.
“Before shopping, SNAP customers should go to the market office or information booth, where market staff can help you get started,” said Boyd. “At the farmers market, Double-Up Food Bucks can only be used to purchase Michigan grown fruits and vegetables.”
More information on SNAP and Double-Up Food Bucks can be found at https://www.doubleupfoodbucks.org/faq/
More information on the Chelsea Farmers Market can be found at http://chelseafarmersmkt.org.
