The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, Greensboro’s oldest and all local, year-round farmers market responds to national service disruption by taking a proactive course and investing in a new service provider in order to offer continuous access to nourishing fresh food for those who are food insecure in the community.
The Farmers Market Coalition released an update on the current situation regarding the shutdown of the Novo Dia Group (NDG), an equipment provider that processes SNAP, EBT, WIC and FMNP purchases at farmers markets. The impact of this shutdown reaches far, and could negatively impact over 1700 farmers markets across the nation. SNAP at farmers markets not only helps feed people who are in need but it also is an important income source for local farmers.
NDG announce that service would end abruptly on July 31 as their contract with USDA had not been renewed. While a 30 day extension has been now negotiated with support from National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs, there is a strong uncertainty after August 31.
The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market will be affected by the NDG shutdown and therefore GFM has taken steps to secure a new SNAP/ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) processing system and will seek funding to offset the costs associated with the acquisition of a the new system. GFM is confident that there will be no disruption of service for farmers or food insecure community members.
GFM board of directors and staff are committed to the continuation of both the SNAP/EBT Program and the “Double Bucks” Program which enables SNAP beneficiaries to double up to $15 during Mid-Week Market. In addition, GFM participates in several Fresh Food Access Programs including the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and the Orange Card Token Program in partnership with the Guilford Community Care Network’s (GGCN).
Additional Information on GFM Food Security Programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) & Double Bucks: SNAP/EBT recipients can receive a match of up to $15 per visit (no limit to recipients’ withdrawal amounts from their own accounts) during the Mid-Week Markets to purchase fresh produce, fish, meats, eggs, honey, milk, and other food items. 2018 Double SNAP was made possible by generous donations and support from Mary Norris Preyer Fund and individual donations from the sale of Greensboro Farmers Curb Market Honor Cards.
Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) WIC & Senior Nutrition Vouchers: The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides Women, infants (over 4 months old), and children who have been certified to receive WIC program benefits with vouchers. A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs may be purchased with (WIC) FMNP vouchers at several GFM Market vendors. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides income qualifying seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs). For more information https://www.fns.usda.gov/fmnp/overview
Orange Card Token Program: Orange Card beneficiaries will receive $10 in tokens weekly to shop the Market for fresh produce, milk, eggs, meat, poultry, and seafood. Orange Card holders must present their GCCN Orange Card and ID to the Food Security Distribution table adjacent to the market manager’s station during Wednesday Market hours, 8 am – 1 pm. For more information on the GCCN Orange Card program please visit http://guilfordccn.org/.
About the Market
Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) operates the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on behalf of the City of Greensboro. GFM is a 501c3 nonprofit. GFM provides greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local food and artisan goods in a friendly and diverse social setting. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections. For information on the Market and food security programs at the Market, go to: www.gsofarmersmarket.org
Location and Hours of Operation
The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville Street, is located at the corner of Lindsey Street and Yanceyville Street across from the War Memorial Stadium and operates year round on Saturdays 7 am to 12 pm and seasonally on Wednesday 8 am- 1 pm (April 18 – December 19). The Market is a 9,000 square foot indoor facility with free admission, WiFi, and plenty of free parking as well as an ATM on site.
Contact:
Carolyn Hulsey, Assistant Manager
Gfmassistant@gmail.com
(336) 373-2402