CONTACT: Stephanie Smiley, 608-266-1683

FOODSHARE BENEFITS NOW ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND AT THE DANE COUNTY FARMERS' MARKET

MADISON-Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake reminded area residents today, that the year-round Dane County Farmers' Market accepts FoodShare benefits for eligible food items. The Dane County Farmers Market began accepting FoodShare benefits with the spring 2008 outdoor farmers' market and will continue with the winter indoor market. For income-eligible families, the FoodShare program can provide access to locally produced healthy foods.

"For the first time, area residents who receive FoodShare benefits will be able to purchase locally grown and harvested fruits and vegetables that are sold at the Dane County Winter Farmers' Market," said Secretary Karen Timberlake. "Many families are worried about the rising costs of food. I strongly encourage needy individuals and families to take advantage of programs like FoodShare that can help them stretch their food budget."

FoodShare Wisconsin helps working families add to their purchasing power when shopping for the food they need for good health. FoodShare benefit amounts are based on the number of people in a home and their total monthly net income.

To make purchases at the Saturday winter farmers' market at Monona Terrace (through December 20, 2008) or the City of Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., (beginning on January 5, 2009), FoodShare members can bring their Quest debit card to the market information booth and receive market currency that can be used as cash for eligible food items.

The Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the education and outreach programs of the Dane County Farmers' Market, worked with the Department of Health Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Leadership Greater Madison to make it possible for FoodShare members to use their benefits at the farmers' market.

"We are pleased to offer access to the fresh, locally grown foods sold at the Dane County Farmers' Market to FoodShare members," said Judy Hageman, president of Friends of the Dane county Farmers' Market and member of the Dane County Food Council. "Our mission is to promote healthy eating and support local farmer producers. This project allows additional shopping options for families who want to eat fresh, healthy foods while supporting Wisconsin-based farmers' market vendors."

A starter grant from a farmers' market supporter, Don Becker, covered the cost of the EBT machine that debits Quest cards and a grant from Alliant continues to support publicity and outreach for the use of FoodShare benefits at the Dane County Farmers' Market. Currently, the program is run by a volunteer effort.

Since early spring, 2008, more than 200 FoodShare members have purchased over $5,500 of food from the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturdays at the Capitol Square and on Wednesdays at Martin Luther King Blvd. In Dane County, more than 10,000 families participate in the FoodShare program.

To see if you might qualify or to apply for FoodShare, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare. Families and individuals can also apply by mail or at their local county or tribal agency.

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010