[Archived] Old Town Farmers' Market Welcomes SNAP and EBT Beneficiaries

News Highlights

• Eligible low income households can now use their SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy and local foods at the Old Town Farmers’ Market.

Beginning Saturday, April 27, the City of Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers’ Market will be participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. As a result, SNAP customers will be able to use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible food products at the market.

SNAP, a federally-funded program, is a win-win for Alexandria residents and retailers. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits used, the community receives almost double that amount in economic activity. Research shows that low-income households participating in SNAP have access to more food nutrients, like proteins, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals in their home food supply. This initiative also helps increase the customer base at the market, creating an additional source of revenue for the Market vendors.

Implementing the SNAP program at the Old Town Farmers’ Market was made possible with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and through partnership with the Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network.

The Old Town Farmer’s Market is located on King Street between N. Royal and N. Fairfax Streets, and is open on Saturdays year round from 7 a.m. to noon.

For more information contact Market Master of the Old Town Farmers’ Market, Megha Even, at 703.746.3200, or oldtownfarmersmarket@alexandriava.gov.