The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is proud to announce the publication of the sixth edition of its “Accepting SNAP Bridge Cards at Michigan Farmers Markets” Manual. First compiled in 2009, this revised edition reflects MIFMA’s growing expertise with food assistance programs at community-driven marketplaces, including farmers markets.
“We work to strengthen local economies and increase access to fresh food for Michigan families by growing the number of participating community-driven marketplaces that accept SNAP and other food assistance benefits,” says MIFMA Director of Food Access Joe Lesausky. “Resources like this are essential to help market staff explore the options available to them and the ways they can make a difference in their communities.”
The manual guides community-driven marketplace managers and operational staff through the process of deciding if accepting SNAP is right for their market. It also helps staff understand the resources needed to accept food assistance benefits and to gauge whether their market has the capacity necessary to make the program successful.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the 160 farmers markets in Michigan that participate in accepting SNAP,” says Lesausky. “By working with and for them, we are able to learn what makes this work successful and pass those lessons on to other marketplaces.”
“Accepting SNAP Bridge Cards at Michigan Farmers Markets” is available at MIFMA.org. For more information about food assistance programs at community-driven marketplaces, visit our Food Assistance Programs landing page here.