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The Smithville Sunday Market is launching two new food access initiatives March 31 to bring locally sourced and fresh goods to a wider audience.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, formerly food stamps, will be allowed to utilize their benefits at the local farmers’ market. The program will benefit buyers, farmers, ranchers, small business owners and the community as a whole, according to Market Manager Courtney Dyer.
“We’re so much more than a market,” said Dyer. “Here, we come together on Sundays to savor the best thing about our town — the warmth of our neighbors, creating a truly special community hub that’s all about connection and the people.”
Community members who receive SNAP will be able to use their benefits to buy fresh, local foods at the downtown market. With the Double Up Food Bucks program, shoppers who use their SNAP cards at the market can also receive up to $30 in matching funds to purchase more fruits and vegetables. Vendors will receive full compensation for the matched purchases.
As grocery prices continue to soar, using SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks at the farmers market can be a more economical choice than shopping at big-box food stores, according to Dyer.
There are over 10,000 SNAP recipients in Bastrop County, around 17% of all households, according to program officials. The statewide average rests around 11%.
“A resilient community is built on inclusivity, and our farmers market plays a pivotal role in fostering both individual wellbeing and community strength. With SNAP, we extend an invitation for everyone to participate, enriching our community as a whole,” added Dyer.
Excitement is building among community members and vendors leading up to Smithville Sunday Market’s SNAP launch March 31. The farmers, ranchers and other food producers who sell at the market are hopeful about the potential for a broader consumer base, which will help ensure sustainability for their small businesses.
The Smithville Sunday Market’s SNAP launch has also received support from both the Texas Center for Local Food and Sustainable Food Center.
“Since unveiling our decision to accept SNAP, our tight-knit community has responded with genuine excitement and heartfelt support. Overall, by accepting SNAP, we get to touch more lives,” Dyer said.
The Smithville Sunday Market meets every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Railroad Park. The market’s mission is to cultivate Smithville Sunday culture with a local, farm-supported community that increases interest and access to seasonally fresh foods through education and service.
To learn more about the Smithville Sunday Market and its new food access programs, contact market manager Courtney Dyer at [email protected].
