Food Stamps and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) at Arizona Farmer's Markets

The project will provide wireless Point of Sale (POS) terminals to 20 Farmers' Markets throughout Arizona. This enables Food Stamp customers to utilize their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) at these Markets. With the implementation of wireless EBT technology at select Farmers' Markets, EBT customers will be able to shop for food stamp eligible products with their benefits. This greatly expands the food choices of Food Stamp customers and extends the benefits of shopping at Farmers' Markets to more members of society. Moreover, local food production and distribution is encouraged which builds economic assets within the community.

There are several steps to becoming an EBT approved Farmers' Market including being granted approval from the US Department of Agriculture to become eligible to accept Food Stamps. Community Food Connections can guide interested vendors through the process.

Partners in this project include: Arizona Community Action Association, Association of Arizona Food Banks, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Community Food Connections, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local farmers and farmers' markets. The project is funded in part through a Community Food and Nutrition grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Children and Family Services.

To help low-income people increase their access to healthy foods while building community and economic assets through local food production and distribution.