FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMS
The Adams County Farmers Market facilitates a variety of specialized programs that help increase access to fresh food, promote wellness, and address hunger-related issues in our community. These programs were developed through collaboration with our amazing community partners such as Healthy Adams County, Adams County Office for Aging, the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, SCCAP, and others. Not only do these food assistance and wellness programs benefit the market shoppers who use them, but they also provide additional revenue streams for our farmers market vendors. Below is a guide to our most common food access programs.
SNAP/EBT “Double Dollars”
SNAP/EBT (formerly known as “food stamps”) is a form of government food assistance issued to qualifying individuals. The Adams County Farmers Market was among the first farmers markets in Pennsylvania to launch a SNAP shopping incentive program of this type. This program not only helps increase access to healthy foods, but also supports the local economy by allowing small businesses to generate additional revenue.
FMNP Matching Program
Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks are distributed to income-eligible senior citizens and WIC clients. Our certified produce vendors accept these checks and the Adams County Farmers Market matches the value of each FMNP check spent with our specialized market tokens. By doubling the value of FMNP checks, our program helps put more healthy food in the hands of FMNP recipients. Contact the Adams County Office for Aging or the WIC Offices to check your FMNP eligibility.
Healthy Options
Healthy Options is a food assistance program designed to help lower income families and senior citizens have greater access to fresh foods. An initiative of the Adams County Food Policy Council, this program serves hundreds of Adams County residents, allowing them to shop at the Adams County Farmers Market during the market season, then at Kennie’s Markets in the colder months. Healthy Options is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Healthy Adams County, the Adams County Food Policy Council, the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, and the Adams County Farmers Market.
County Wellness Vouchers
The County of Adams supports local farmers and small businesses by providing county employees with wellness coupons redeemable at our farmers market. These coupons can be used to purchase healthy agricultural products including fresh vegetables and pasture-raised meats. In addition to promoting healthy eating, this program also gives county employees the power to support Adams County agriculture. If you’re an employee of the County and are interested in this wellness initiative, contact the County’s Human Resources department to learn more.
Wellspan Market Bucks
Vendors at our market can accept WellSpan Market Bucks for qualifying products. Managed by WellSpan Medical Group practices and professional Market Bucks coaches, Market Bucks are provided to low-income patients to provide healthy eating guidance and fruit and vegetable consumption. Patients diagnosed with diet-related illnesses are provided a monthly allowance of market buck vouchers to use for purchasing locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
Debit/Credit Service
The Adams County Farmers Market offers a Point of Sale (POS) system and specialized market tokens to benefit our vendors. Customers can process their credit/debit card at the main farmers market booth and get market tokens spendable with any vendor. This system is especially helpful for vendors who do not have their own mobile POS system or if a POS system is experiencing technical issues. Plus, customers love to use tokens to shop!