The Olympia Farmers Market is proud to accept EBT cards and offer a source of local, fresh and nutritious foods to SNAP recipients.
How to Use your EBT Card at the Market:
Now matching up to $25 in 2024!
The SNAP Market Match Program is a collaboration between the Olympia Farmers Market and the Washington State Department of Health, thanks to funding from the State of Washington.
Use your EBT card at the Market Office and receive up to $25 in additional bucks to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and edible plant starts. We match up to $25 SNAP Bucks per day when you redeem $25 off your EBT card.
“Healthy food is foundational to our well-being and without it, we struggle to fully contribute to our communities,” said Babs Roberts, Director for the DSHS Community Services Division within the Economic Services Administration. “In our state, over 900,000 children and adults receive food benefits. Seventy-five percent of the people who receive Basic Food do not receive any other cash assistance to make ends meet.”
You can use your WIC cash value benefits (CVB) to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the Olympia Farmers Market year-round! Vendor’s displaying “WIC accepted here” signage in their booths are approved to accept WIC dollars for fresh produce.
You can also use your WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits at the Market from June1-October 31 every season. The FMNP provides additional benefits ($30.00 for each WIC participant, up to $90.00 per family) to use directly at farmers markets. Ask your WIC Staff/Clinic about how to receive seasonal Farmers Market Benefits.
How to use your WIC Benefits:
1) Find vendors with the “WIC accepted here” signage at the Market.
2) Locate the QR code within your WIC app on your mobile device.
3) Pick out your vegetables and let the vendor scan the QR code with their device.
4) Enter your PIN and complete your purchase!
About Farmers Market Nutrition Program:
Funded by both the United States Department of Agriculture and the State of Washington and managed by the Department of Health, the program’s goal is to provide fresh, healthy, unprocessed, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs to WIC families and low-income seniors. The program also seeks to expand awareness and sales at farmers markets.
WIC benefits are distributed annually in Thurston County through Sea Mar Health Clinic and in Mason, Lewis and Thurston County through the Community Action Council.
To learn more about these organizations visit:
Many farms at The Olympia Farmers Market accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits!
SFMP Benefits are provided in $80.00 amounts per qualifying individual, per season. Benefits can be used to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and honey at farmers markets between June 1-October 31. After your application is accepted by LMTAAA, you will receive a plastic card in the mail and information on how to use it.
How to use your SFMNP Benefits at the Market:
1) Find vendors with the “WIC & Senior accepted here” signage at the Market.
2) Pick out your veggies and show the vendor your card.
3) The vendor will scan the QR code on your card with their device.
4) Enter your PIN and complete your purchase!
About the Farmers Market Nutrition Program:
Funded by both the United States Department of Agriculture and the State of Washington and run by the Department of Social Health Services, the program’s goal is to provide fresh, healthy, unprocessed, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs to low-income seniors. The program also seeks to expand awareness and sales at farmers markets.
The Lewis-Thurston-Mason Area Agency on Aging is distributing SFMNP benefits in 2024. To learn more and complete an application, visit: http://www.lmtaaa.org/
Many vendors offer discounts to Seniors on Thursdays from April through October. Look for this sign in participating vendor's booths! While you're at the Market, participate in our free weekly raffle to win good crafted by the vendors. The raffle is free and open to ALL shoppers who visit the Market on Thursdays! Occasionally, we host cooking demonstrations, activities, and learning opportunities about sustainability, food, and art. Stop by and see it for yourself! Visiting on a Thursday is great way to receive discounts, participate in additional activities, and support local businesses--and, do so when the Market is less crowded than Saturday or Sunday.
