Blue Hill Farmers' Market is Now Accepting SNAP Benefits

Beginning Saturday, May 28, 2022, shoppers can spend their SNAP dollars at the Blue Hill Farmers’ Market. In partnership with the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, Healthy Acadia, and Healthy Peninsula, the market is now hosting an Info Booth where shoppers can learn how to spend SNAP benefits on eligible food items at the market, and receive Maine Harvest Bucks. For every $2 dollars spent on SNAP-eligible products, shoppers receive $1 in Maine Harvest Bucks!

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federally funded government program that has traditionally been known as “food stamps” and is restricted to food purchases. Funds are provided via an EBT card, known in Maine as Pine Tree Card. Learn more about SNAP benefits and how to apply: www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement.

Market shoppers can also participate in the Power of Produce (POP) Club, a new initiative led by Despe Lebel, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator with Healthy Acadia. POP Club provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations with farmers, educational games and demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. In addition to participating in educational activities, POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to make their own shopping decisions at the market.

Market info: Saturdays 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. from late May to early October.

To learn more, visit www.bluehillfarmersmarket.com/snap.

SNAP-Ed educators at Healthy Acadia offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Kirsten in Washington County, or Nicole or Despe in Hancock County.