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   Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) – Nutrition incentive programs are set to launch at several of our local farmers markets. These programs are designed to make fresh, locally grown produce more affordable for community members while strengthening the local economy. Through this initiative, customers using their SNAP and/or SUN Bucks benefits at a participating farmers market will receive “Market Bucks.” Market Bucks matches up to $10 worth of SNAP and $10 worth of SUN Bucks benefits for SNAP-eligible food items per farmers market visit; that is, for every dollar’s worth of SNAP and/or SUN Bucks benefits used at a farmers market, shoppers will receive an additional $1 in Market Bucks – doubling their purchasing power for healthy, farm-fresh foods.

   Farmers markets in Cass County where customers can use SNAP and/or SUN Bucks and take advantage of Market Bucks include the markets in Pine River (Fridays, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) and Walker (Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). To enroll in SNAP, visit MNbenefits.org or call Cass County Health, Human & Veterans Services at (218) 547-1340. SUN Bucks are for eligible school-aged children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals or participate in other qualifying programs. SUN Bucks help ensure children have access to food when school is not in session. To learn more about SUN Bucks visit dcyf.mn.gov/sun-bucks.

   The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is designed to help those enrolled in Women, Infants & Children (WIC) purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program does the same for low-income seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Eligible WIC participants receive $20 in FMNP coupons and eligible CSFP participants receive $25 in SFMNP coupons to spend at participating farmers markets. WIC FMNP coupons can be used between 6/15 – 10/31 (or until the end of market season, whichever is earlier), and Senior FMNP coupons can be used between 7/1 – 10/31 (or until the end of market season, whichever is earlier). Farmers markets in Walker, Pine River, and Remer are authorized to accept FMNP and SFMNP. The Remer Farmers Market is newly authorized this season and is open on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. To enroll in WIC, call (218) 547-6872, and to enroll in CSFP, call Second Harvest Northland at (218) 336-2315.

   Overall, farmers markets are a great community experience worth supporting as they provide seasonal, nutritious food options, offer community connection, educational opportunities, and support small-scale agriculture and sustainable living. For a complete list of dates and hours for the farmers markets in Cass County, please visit the Cass County Resource Directory at www.casscountymn.gov. If you are a vendor or farmers market manager interested in learning more about accepting these programs, please contact Selena Roque, SHIP Coordinator, at [email protected] or at (218) 547-6843.

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