Hammond Farmers Market Now Accepting SNAP Food Stamps
Starting Saturday, December 4, 2021, customers of the Hammond Farmers Market will be able to use SNAP benefits (formally known as Food Stamps) to purchase eligible products from market vendors.
The Hammond Farmers Market is the only USDA-approved farmers market in the Northshore region, which allows for the acceptance of SNAP benefits. In Tangipahoa Parish alone, over 29,000 residents are SNAP recipients.
“With Downtown Hammond being a food desert since the closure of two locally owned food stores over the past six years, our market has served as a fresh food hub. We’re excited to now accept SNAP to improve healthy food access to all in our community and uphold our core value of inclusivity,” said Michelle Kendall, Market Manager.
By initiating this program, local farmers and food producers will economically benefit as well. “Everyone should have access to local, healthy, and fresh food. Keeping our community dollars local strengthens our native economy, and builds a more sustainable food system. When small farmers are given the opportunity to feed ALL of our neighbors, everyone benefits,” said Ashley Baradell, Farm Owner and Operator of A & A Acres.
Shopping with SNAP may look different from shopping in a regular store. When customers arrive at market, they will first visit the Market Welcome table. Customers will present their card and request a dollar amount to spend. A market staff member will slide their card for the amount requested. Customers will be given wooden tokens to shop with vendors selling SNAP eligible items.
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. SNAP participants receive benefits on an EBT card which is then used to purchase eligible food items at SNAP-participating retailers. SNAP eligible foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, honey, dairy, baked goods, and preserved foods.
The Hammond Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8AM to 12PM. Its current location is the Old Hammond Feed & Seed property located at 103 E Robert St in Downtown Hammond. The Hammond Farmers Market is a project of the Hammond Downtown Development District.
For more information about the Hammond Farmers Market, please visit dddhammond.com/farmersmarket