May 13, 2012:

Florida Farmers’ Markets to Receive Funding for Equipment that Processes EBT Payments

MIRIAM VALVERDE (Bradenton Herald — May 11, 2012)

A federal grant to the Florida Department of Children and Families may soon help more farmers’ markets accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as payment.

A $78,749 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to help local farmers’ markets get the necessary wireless equipment to be able to process the electronic cards, a news release said.

In Florida there are 143 registered farmers’ market but only six of them accept EBT payments, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Not only will this grant money help small businesses by giving them the opportunity for more customers, it will also allow our clients to have access to local, fresh, healthy food,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins in the news release. “This will benefit many children and families while also helping Florida’s economy.”

There are over 1,500 farmers’ markets in the country already accepting EBT cards, according to the release.

EBTs replaced what traditionally were known as “food stamps.”

View the complete article at Bradenton Herald

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