The Ashland Farmers Market accepts SNAP benefits, and matches them up to $25 per week for as long as funds are available. Use your EBT card and SNAP account to buy fresh, local foods at the market every Saturday during the market season. Come to the Market Managers’ tent to learn more about SNAP.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Bring your EBT card to the Market Managers’ tent.
- Decide how much you want to spend at the market, and then tell a staff person you want to use your SNAP benefits.
- We will swipe your EBT card and then ask you to enter your PIN number. We will enter the amount you request.
- Once the transaction is approved, you’ll be given a receipt and SNAP tokens in $5s or $1s plus up to $25 in matching tokens to spend at the market.
- Shop for eligible foods, using the AFM SNAP tokens like cash.
- Note that vendors are not allowed to give change for the tokens.
- The AFM SNAP tokens do not expire, and can be used at the market the same day or another market day.
WHAT CAN I BUY AT MARKET?
Eligible for Purchase with SNAP:
Foods for household members to eat, such as: vegetables and fruits; fish and meat; dairy products; breads; grains and cereals; baked goods; nuts; pasta; honey; condiments. Also eligible are plants that will produce food for household members to eat (for example, tomato plants, raspberry plants, herbs, etc.).
Not Eligible for Purchase with SNAP:
Non-food items; any food that is served hot or ready-to-eat (i.e., on a plate or not wrapped to go); alcoholic beverages; pet foods; ornamental (inedible) vegetables, such as gourds or “Indian” corn.
Questions on SNAP at AFM? Contact Us.
WHAT IS SNAP?
Formerly known as the federal Food Stamp program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps people with low incomes purchase food for themselves and their families.
Whether you live alone or not, whether you have children or not, it’s sometimes hard to pay all the bills and still have enough left over for good, nutritious food. Finding affordable fresh produce can be especially challenging. Using SNAP benefits at the farmers market can really help.
People may think they’re not eligible for SNAP because they’re working or are not on welfare. You don’t have to be receiving welfare benefits to be eligible, and even if you’re working you may qualify. It all depends on your income, how much money you have saved, and the number of people in your household. If you meet the guidelines, you can get SNAP benefits.
As a SNAP participant, you’re given an account and a plastic card called the Mass EBT card. Each month, your SNAP benefits are deposited into your account. You can use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers markets, co-ops, and convenience stores. The EBT card is used to buy food in the same way a bank debit card or a credit card would be used.
Want to sign up for SNAP?
Find out more at: www.massresources.org/snap.html
Apply online: www.mass.gov/snap
SNAP Hotline: 1.866.950.FOOD (3663)
OTHER FOOD RESOURCES
WIC and Senior Coupons are also accepted at some farm vendors (Sunshine Farm, Upswing Farm, Flats Mentor Farm and Long Life Farm) at Ashland Farmers Market. Look for the posted sign at each vendor tent or ask vendors directly.
Ashland Food Pantry
162 W. Union Street
Lower Level
Ashland, MA 01721
By Appointment Only Monday 9 am – 1 pm, Wednesday 11 am- 6 pm, Thursday 9 am – 2 pm. Call 508-532-7949 to set up your appointment or email, humanservices@ashlandmass.com
WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program
Food program for pregnant women, mothers with infants, and children under five.
1.800.WIC.1007
Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
1.800.645.8333
FoodSource Hotline counselors provide information about food resources in your community, and about public programs, meal sites for the elderly, Meals On Wheels programs, salvage food distribution sites, and other programs that offer free or low-cost food.
