MISSOULA – The Missoula Farmers market is open every Saturday and Tuesday in downtown Missoula and has become a summertime staple.
What some might not know about the market is that SNAP benefits are accepted and now they can even be worth more than regular cash.
SNAP benefits help families fill grocery needs with a monthly allowance that is determined by the monthly income of a family.
The Missoula Farmers Market has been accepting SNAP benefits for more than five years and provides families an opportunity to buy fresh produce that fills some dietary needs.
“The program really focuses on helping folks buy more fruits and vegetables, because there is a lot of studies that have shown that the more fruits and vegetables you eat the better dietary outcomes you have,” said Community Food and Agriculture Manager Kim Gilchrist. “A lot of folks want to eat healthier and affording that diet is really the number one barrier.”
Since 2017 the farmers market has now been using double SNAP points, so for every dollar’s worth spent you get $2 worth of produce. Simply redeem your SNAP benefits at a booth in the market and instead of the standard chip you receive a chip for double the amount.
“It makes a huge difference for people. The first time we started it a woman came up and she had three little kids and when we told her she was getting an extra $10 she almost started to cry. That’s how important it is,” said Missoula Farmers Market chair Lou Ann Crowley.
