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Canton, Potsdam Farmers' Markets opening next week

Posted 5/6/16

The Canton Farmers’ Market and Potsdam Farmers’ Market are both scheduled to open next week offering fresh local produce, cheeses, wines along with new incentives for SNAP-EBT card users. The …

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Canton, Potsdam Farmers' Markets opening next week

Posted

The Canton Farmers’ Market and Potsdam Farmers’ Market are both scheduled to open next week offering fresh local produce, cheeses, wines along with new incentives for SNAP-EBT card users.

The Canton market opens Friday, May 13, on the green in Canton. It will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday until October.

The Potsdam market opens Saturday, May 14 at Ives Park. The market will open every Saturday until October from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"Shopping at our local farmers markets not only gives the consumer the freshest, healthiest produce possible, it also supports our local farmers and keeps that money in the local economy," said Gloria McAdam, executive director of GardenShare.

Both markets are equipped to accept debit cards or SNAP-EBT benefits. To use the cards, the customer should visit the market manager's booth, where cards can be swiped and tokens will be provided to spend with the farmers.

GardenShare manages this service for the Farmers Markets and more information can be found at http://gardenshare.org/content/farmers-markets

This year, thanks to a grant from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, GardenShare will be able to double the value for anyone purchasing at the Farmers Market with a SNAP-EBT card. For each $5 charged to the SNAP-EBT card, the customer will receive $10 worth of tokens that can be spent for SNAP approved items like fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, or food plants at the market.

In addition, SNAP-EBT customers will receive a frequent customer card. After visiting and purchasing food at the market five different days, the SNAP-EBT customer will receive an additional $20 in tokens to be spent at the market for these food items. This benefit is also supported through the grant from Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield.

In May at the markets, shoppers may find asparagus, lettuce, green onions, parsnips, dried beans, and rhubarb, among other things. In addition, the markets frequently have other food, wine, and craft vendors.

"We are pleased to be able to make the benefit of this healthy, locally-grown food accessible to our lower-income neighbors and especially grateful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for funding the bonuses to those who rely on the SNAP program in order to feed their families," McAdam said.

Farmers’ markets are held rain or shine.

For more information, visit www.gardenshare.org.