07/01/09 Redmond
 
Starting this market season, Redmond and Prineville Farmers' Markets will be expanding access to residents, particularly low-income, to purchase fresh, local and affordable vegetables, fruits, and meats.  Using a wireless electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system, Oregon Trail (food stamp) participants and debit users can now swipe their card and purchase local, fresh produce, even on a fixed income.
 
Central Oregon currently has over 30,000 food stamp recipients.   Often, recipients are limited in their options for purchasing fresh, healthy foods.  "Given Central Oregon's current economy, it is imperative that we respond to the needs of the community by providing increased services and accessibility to programs such as this", says Holly Hutton of NeighborImpact.
 
With the support of a US Department of Agriculture grant, the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is working with local farmers' market managers and board members to increase the capacity of the region's farmers' markets.  "This is a win-win situation for everyone.  Our project enables low-income residents' access to local and fresh food, increases the capacity of the markets to provide to a wider audience, and directly supports farmers in the region", states Katrina Van Dis.
 
Local farmers in the region have stepped up to the plate in terms of providing fresh products at the farmer's markets and are excited about this opportunity.  "This program is absolutely wonderful", says Jerre Kosta Dodson of Dancing Cow Farm and Board Member of Prineville Farmers' Market.  "To be able to give back to the community is important for my husband and me.  We want to provide healthy choices for all individuals, which is one of the main reasons we farm."
 
This step will also help keep Central Oregon residents' dollars local.  Households that once felt limited to purchasing fresh foods from out of the area will now be able to actively vote with their dollar and keep their money local.
 
Madras Saturday Market and Bend Farmer's Market are expected to offer this program this market season.  For more information visit: www.coic.org under Community Development.
  
Redmond Farmers' Market            
June 15 - August 24            
Monday 12pm to 5pm
Evergreen Elementary
437 9th Street
 
Prineville Farmers' Market
June 6 - October 17
Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm
Downtown Plaza on 3rd Street
Across from the courthouse