The Michigan Farmers Markets Association (MIFMA) is hosting the Michigan Farmers Market Conference on March 10 and 11, 2015 on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Register now at www.mifma.org.
The 2015 conference will feature a unique opportunity for farmers market managers and direct marketing farmers to learn more about accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, distributed via the Michigan EBT Bridge Card, and take the first step toward being able to accept these benefits in exchange for fresh, locally grown products.
In partnership with the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Program’s MarketLink program, MIFMA is offering SNAP training and on-site sign-up at the conference on Tuesday, March 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST.
“Michigan’s farmers are instrumental in providing fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods throughout the State”, said Tim English, Regional Administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “We are striving to expand access to healthy food to those participating in SNAP. We encourage direct marketing farmers and farmer’s markets who are not currently participating in the SNAP Program to attend this special sign-up event. The ability to accept SNAP benefits helps farmers expand their customer base and economically support their local community.”
MIFMA will provide step-by-step instructions for completing the USDA FNS online application to accept SNAP benefits and USDA FNS staff will be on-site to review applications. Throughout the day on Wednesday, March 11, one-on-one appointments will also be available for on-site USDA FNS application review and assistance signing up to receive point-of-sale devices through the MarketLink program.
“MIFMA has helped grow the number of farmers markets in Michigan accepting SNAP from just three in 2006, to over 150 in 2014. We are proud to be hosting this sign-up opportunity in addition to the other training and technical assistance programs we offer farmers market managers across the state,” explains MIFMA Director, Dru Montri.
In addition, the Michigan Farmers Market Conference will also feature three educational tracks with 15 different break-out sessions, roundtable discussions, exhibitors, keynote speaker Richard McCarthy of Slow Food USA, MIFMA’s annual meeting, a silent auction fundraiser and ample networking opportunities. Conference registration closes Thursday, March 5, 2015. To register for the conference or for more information on other programs and MIFMA membership opportunities, visit www.mifma.org or call 517-432-3381.