Rose District Farmers Market Now Accepting SNAP and SFMNP

from Value News Magazine April 2022 Broken Arrow & Coweta

Inola Portable Buildings & Pole Barns

Effort will provide fresh and healthy food options to more customers

BY LESA JONES

When the Rose District Farmers Market opens its 19th season Saturday, April 2, it will be the first-time eligible shoppers can use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at the market.

“These programs ensure that all citizens of Broken Arrow have the opportunity to shop from our fine vendors,” said Community Development Director Larry Curtis. “This has been years in the making and through team effort, this coming season, we will be able to offer the program.”

Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, honey, nuts, dairy products, and more are now available to purchase through SNAP. (Noneligible items include wine, ornamental plants, vitamins, medicines and non-food items.) Fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey may be purchased with the SFMNP.

Tokens in $1 increments will be available to exchange for SNAP and SFMNP benefits for purchases at the vendor booths. Including these programs into the market has been a goal for Farmers Market Coordinator Nicole Orcutt since she joined the City in 2020.

“I am very excited to finally be able to offer these programs at the market and look forward to expanding on them in the future,” Orcutt said. “I believe that everyone should have access to locally grown produce and can’t imagine a better way of serving and strengthening our community.”

The Rose District Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October. For more information on the market or programs offered, follow the Rose District Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram, and the City of Broken Arrow website at brokenarrowok.gov/farmersmarket.