– Today, the City of Petersburg Farmer’s Market in partnership with Petersburg’s Department of Social Services (DSS) announced the acceptance of electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, cards for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Jarratt’s Produce is the official vendor accepting SNAP cards.
“Food insecurity is an issue in our City, and it is wonderful that our customers receiving SNAP have healthy and affordable options through our local Farmer’s Market”, commented Kim Willis Miles, Petersburg Director of the Department of Social Services. “We are promoting the Farmer’s Market to our clients, and will continue to partner with our local partners to increase awareness of healthy eating choices through educational information and presentations.
The Petersburg Farmer’s Market aims to get fresh, local foods and to support local growers. EBT card users are able to swipe the card for their requested amount and will receive one-dollar wooden tokens. These tokens act like cast in the market for eligible products. Unused tokens can be used at another time in the market. The summer hours for the market are each Saturday from 7 a.m. to Noon on Joseph Jenkins Roberts Street under the Martin Luther King Bridge.
“By increasing our residents buying power, the goal is to help combat food insecurity throughout the area”, said Rolen Moyer, Petersburg Farmer’s Market Manager.
DSS is also partnering with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to promote healthy living in the lobby of DSS on Farmer’s Street in Petersburg, including hosting food demonstrations. They will also be on site on various Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market with a booth to inform patrons about healthy living and shopping.
For additional information on the Farmer’s Market, please call (804) 733-2352.