Feb 26, 2017

Michigan Farmers Market Conference to offer SNAP sign-up

The Michigan Farmers Markets Association (MIFMA) is hosting the Michigan Farmers Market Conference on March 7 and 8, on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

The 2017 conference will feature an opportunity for farmers market managers and direct marketing farmers to learn more about accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, distributed via the Michigan EBT Bridge Card, and take the first step toward being able to accept these benefits in exchange for fresh, locally grown products.

In partnership with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), MIFMA is offering application assistance and on-site sign-up at the conference on Tuesday, March 7 and Wednesday, March 8. Sign up is available in half-hour time slots throughout both of the conference days. Interested individuals are asked to register for a preferred time slot by calling 517-432-3381.

“We encourage direct marketing farmers and farmers markets who are not currently participating in the SNAP Program to attend this special sign-up event,” said Tim English, Regional Administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “The ability to accept SNAP benefits helps farmers expand their customer base and economically support their local community.”

Attendees will receive step-by-step instructions for completing the USDA FNS online application to accept SNAP benefits and USDA FNS staff will be on-site to review applications and approve them.

In addition, the Michigan Farmers Market Conference will also feature three educational tracks with 15 different break-out sessions, roundtable discussions, exhibitors, a panel of keynote speakers, MIFMA’s annual meeting, and a conference social event.