Newsletter of the EBT Farmers' Market Nutrition
Newsletter of the EBT Farmers’ Market Nutrition Promotion Project March 2007
This project, funded by the CA Nutrition Network of the CA Dept of Health Services, is about keeping farm fresh fruits and vegetables at CA Farmers’ Markets accessible to Californians who receive food stamp benefits and to promote healthy eating among food stamp clients in California. In the past, we assisted Farmers’ Markets in starting EBT redemption systems. We are now focusing on nutrition education and promoting eligible Farmers’ Markets already accepting EBT cards. For more information, ideas, past newsletters, signs, posters, and contacts, check our website at www.ecologycenter.org/ebt. Please note that this website is in the process of being updated. This quarterly newsletter is distributed to people involved or interested in EBT at California Farmers’ Markets. If you would like to be added to or taken off the newsletter distribution list, please send an email to Linda at [email protected] and let us know. We also welcome short contributions for future newsletters, such as announcements, articles, updates, resources, and photos.
In this issue:
What We Offer to Eligible Markets Our Website is Slowly Being Updated 2007 Project Staff EBT Redemption at CA Farmers’ Markets Update Get Involved in EBT at Farmers’ Markets – 2 Opportunities Spring Promotion Ideas and Resources
What We Offer to Eligible Markets A Farmers’ Market is eligible for participation in this Project if it already accepts EBT cards and operates in a census tract where at least half of all households are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. To find out if a Farmers’ Market is eligible or to participate in the Project, contact Linda Langan at [email protected] or 510-409-0477. This free poster can be personalized for your specific Farmers’ Markets for promotion to potential EBT shoppers at eligible Farmers’ Markets. We can also put together lists of locations where these posters may be distributed in order to reach a maximum of potential EBT shoppers. These lists may also be used for future promotional efforts. We have access to free nutrition promotion items such as cookbooks, brochures, measuring cups, hackie sacks, lunch coolers for you to distribute to your EBT customers for nutrition promotion
purposes. For the most current list of materials available, see our website at www.ecologycenter.org/ebt and click “Promotions.” Please note that the list of available materials that was recently mailed out has been updated. See our website for the most recent list of available materials. We organize EBT nutrition focused events at qualifying Farmers’ Markets, including simple cooking demos, activities for kids, and handing out nutritional information and materials. We work with agencies, schools, and nutrition-focused organizations near eligible Farmers’ Markets. We are working to get brochures with EBT Farmers’ Market listings directly mailed to food stamp customers in as many counties as possible. We also place flyers and brochures advertising nutrition and farmers’ markets in public health clinics and food stamp offices. We are currently designing a flyer that will be distributed through elementary school parent packets to advertise nutrition and local Farmers’ Markets that accept EBT. Markets will have the option to include a logo or coupon on these flyers. Please contact Linda at [email protected] if you are interested in participating in this effort.
Our Website is Slowly Being Updated Our website, www.ecologycenter.org/ebt, was last updated by Penny Leff in 2005. We are now slowly bringing the website up to date, so check back often. So far, we have posted an updated “Simple Guide for Market Managers” to accept EBT, and an updated list of materials available to eligible Farmers’ Markets. Over the coming months, we plan on updating the list of CA Farmers’ Markets that accept EBT, updating the list of contacts, adding downloadable posters in Spanish, and adding news stories and press releases about the project. We are also putting together a list of Market Managers that are willing to help others through the process of getting authorized to accept EBT, which will be downloadable from the website. There are many resources already available on our website, including downloadable posters, sample flyers, templates, and lots of promotional ideas for your Farmers’ Market. It also contains images, logos, and past project newsletters, so check it out!
2007 Project Staff Linda Langan, who managed the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets for nearly 3 years, is now the Statewide Coordinator of the EBT Farmers’ Market Nutrition & Promotion Project. She can be reached at 510-409-0477 or [email protected]. Frank Tamborello, Executive Director of Hunger Action Los Angeles, is our Southern California Coordinator. He can be reached at 213-388-8228 or [email protected]. Edie Jessup, of the Hunger and Nutrition Project at the Fresno Metro Ministry, is our Central Valley Coordinator. She can be reached at 559-485-1416 x103 or [email protected].
Staffing Changes at the CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project: Rachel Kite, former Benefit Access Manager at the CA EBT Project, has moved on from this position. Rachel really played a pivotal role in getting EBT card redemption into California’s Farmers’ Markets these last few years, and we are sincerely grateful for her efforts. Tonia Zenega is the new Benefit Access Manager, and she can be reached at 916-654-1421. She is the contact person for Farmers’ Markets wishing to accept EBT.
EBT Redemption Update Statewide EBT Redemption at Farmers’ Markets continues to rise (courtesy of Rob Lautz, CA EBT Project:
This graph indicates EBT redemption through Market Scrip systems increasing each year since 2004, and illustrates normal seasonal fluctuations with October being the highest redemption month each year. We expect redemption to be even higher in 2007. Currently, about 87 weekly Farmers’ Markets in California accept EBT cards through a scrip system. This list is currently being updated and will be posted on the website www.ecologycenter.org/ebt soon. Newest to accept EBT is the Orosi Farmers’ Market within the Orosi Flea Market in Fresno County, and we are busy planning a kick off promotional event and press release to help get them started.
Get Involved With EBT at Farmers’ Markets – 2 Opportunities 1) Be a Manager Mentor for EBT We are compiling a list of Market Managers who are willing to answer questions and to generally support other Market Managers who are going through the process to become authorized to accept EBT cards at their Farmers’ Markets. This list will be distributed to interested Market Managers and will be posted on our website. If your Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and you are willing to help other Market Managers to do the same, please email [email protected] and let us know!
2) CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project Advisory Group needs more members The CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project authorizes Farmers’ Markets to use EBT scrip systems, oversees the Farmers’ Market EBT system in CA, issues the wireless devices, tracks EBT redemption, and assists with EBT promotional efforts at Farmers’ Markets. State staff meets quarterly with an Advisory Group to discuss program needs and updates. The Advisory Group consists mainly of city, county, and public health officials, with a couple of Farmers’ Market managers and non-profit organizations working with Farmers’ Markets and EBT. The Advisory Group needs more members, especially folks working “on the ground,” such as Market Managers and Nonprofit organizations. Meetings are in Sacramento, but anyone can participate through a conference call. This is your chance to give input on how the CA Farmers’ Market EBT system is working for you, and where it needs improvements. To be notified of Advisory Group meetings, contact Tonia Williams at 916-654-1421.
Spring Promotion Ideas: Along with strawberries and sunshine, spring means it’s time for a Springtime EBT Promotion Plan. To keep EBT customers coming, it is important to remind all the EBT cardholders in your area that they can use their cards for the tastiest, healthiest, and freshest affordable food available at their local Farmers’ Market. Here are a few ideas, with much more on our website: On-site Signs • “We Gladly Accept EBT” signs at market entrances and scrip point of sale • “Get ___ Farmers’ Market Dollars/Tokens Here” signs at scrip point of sale • “We accept ___ Farmers’ Market Dollars/Tokens Here” signs at vendor stalls Off-site Posters and Flyers • Posters, listing one Farmers’ Market or all Farmers’ Markets accepting EBT by county or region, to post at social service offices, food stamp offices, WIC offices, senior centers, libraries, etc. Work with other local Farmers’ Markets and join efforts! • Flyers, with or without coupons, distributed at same locations and handed out at nutritional education events, food stamp outreach occasions, health fairs, etc. • “We Gladly Accept EBT” should be on all Market posters, flyers, event announcements, press releases, print ads, free listings, website, etc. Other Ideas and Resources • Get postcards or flyers inserted into the quarterly mailing to food stamp clients from your local Food Stamp Office. Leave posters and flyers at your local Food Stamp Office. • Get Farmers’ Market EBT access on the radio, local TV, the newspaper, and the internet with ads, interviews, press releases, etc. • Check out the Nutrition Network’s Website at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/CPNS// for many more outreach and promotional resources. Also check out Harvest of the Month at www.harvestofthemonth.com.
This project, funded by the CA Nutrition Network of the CA Dept of Health Services, is about keeping farm fresh fruits and vegetables at CA Farmers’ Markets accessible to Californians who receive food stamp benefits and to promote healthy eating among food stamp clients in California. In the past, we assisted Farmers’ Markets in starting EBT redemption systems. We are now focusing on nutrition education and promoting eligible Farmers’ Markets already accepting EBT cards. For more information, ideas, past newsletters, signs, posters, and contacts, check our website at www.ecologycenter.org/ebt. Please note that this website is in the process of being updated. This quarterly newsletter is distributed to people involved or interested in EBT at California Farmers’ Markets. If you would like to be added to or taken off the newsletter distribution list, please send an email to Linda at [email protected] and let us know. We also welcome short contributions for future newsletters, such as announcements, articles, updates, resources, and photos.
In this issue:
What We Offer to Eligible Markets Our Website is Slowly Being Updated 2007 Project Staff EBT Redemption at CA Farmers’ Markets Update Get Involved in EBT at Farmers’ Markets – 2 Opportunities Spring Promotion Ideas and Resources
What We Offer to Eligible Markets A Farmers’ Market is eligible for participation in this Project if it already accepts EBT cards and operates in a census tract where at least half of all households are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. To find out if a Farmers’ Market is eligible or to participate in the Project, contact Linda Langan at [email protected] or 510-409-0477. This free poster can be personalized for your specific Farmers’ Markets for promotion to potential EBT shoppers at eligible Farmers’ Markets. We can also put together lists of locations where these posters may be distributed in order to reach a maximum of potential EBT shoppers. These lists may also be used for future promotional efforts. We have access to free nutrition promotion items such as cookbooks, brochures, measuring cups, hackie sacks, lunch coolers for you to distribute to your EBT customers for nutrition promotion
purposes. For the most current list of materials available, see our website at www.ecologycenter.org/ebt and click “Promotions.” Please note that the list of available materials that was recently mailed out has been updated. See our website for the most recent list of available materials. We organize EBT nutrition focused events at qualifying Farmers’ Markets, including simple cooking demos, activities for kids, and handing out nutritional information and materials. We work with agencies, schools, and nutrition-focused organizations near eligible Farmers’ Markets. We are working to get brochures with EBT Farmers’ Market listings directly mailed to food stamp customers in as many counties as possible. We also place flyers and brochures advertising nutrition and farmers’ markets in public health clinics and food stamp offices. We are currently designing a flyer that will be distributed through elementary school parent packets to advertise nutrition and local Farmers’ Markets that accept EBT. Markets will have the option to include a logo or coupon on these flyers. Please contact Linda at [email protected] if you are interested in participating in this effort.
Our Website is Slowly Being Updated Our website, www.ecologycenter.org/ebt, was last updated by Penny Leff in 2005. We are now slowly bringing the website up to date, so check back often. So far, we have posted an updated “Simple Guide for Market Managers” to accept EBT, and an updated list of materials available to eligible Farmers’ Markets. Over the coming months, we plan on updating the list of CA Farmers’ Markets that accept EBT, updating the list of contacts, adding downloadable posters in Spanish, and adding news stories and press releases about the project. We are also putting together a list of Market Managers that are willing to help others through the process of getting authorized to accept EBT, which will be downloadable from the website. There are many resources already available on our website, including downloadable posters, sample flyers, templates, and lots of promotional ideas for your Farmers’ Market. It also contains images, logos, and past project newsletters, so check it out!
2007 Project Staff Linda Langan, who managed the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets for nearly 3 years, is now the Statewide Coordinator of the EBT Farmers’ Market Nutrition & Promotion Project. She can be reached at 510-409-0477 or [email protected]. Frank Tamborello, Executive Director of Hunger Action Los Angeles, is our Southern California Coordinator. He can be reached at 213-388-8228 or [email protected]. Edie Jessup, of the Hunger and Nutrition Project at the Fresno Metro Ministry, is our Central Valley Coordinator. She can be reached at 559-485-1416 x103 or [email protected].
Staffing Changes at the CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project: Rachel Kite, former Benefit Access Manager at the CA EBT Project, has moved on from this position. Rachel really played a pivotal role in getting EBT card redemption into California’s Farmers’ Markets these last few years, and we are sincerely grateful for her efforts. Tonia Zenega is the new Benefit Access Manager, and she can be reached at 916-654-1421. She is the contact person for Farmers’ Markets wishing to accept EBT.
EBT Redemption Update Statewide EBT Redemption at Farmers’ Markets continues to rise (courtesy of Rob Lautz, CA EBT Project:
This graph indicates EBT redemption through Market Scrip systems increasing each year since 2004, and illustrates normal seasonal fluctuations with October being the highest redemption month each year. We expect redemption to be even higher in 2007. Currently, about 87 weekly Farmers’ Markets in California accept EBT cards through a scrip system. This list is currently being updated and will be posted on the website www.ecologycenter.org/ebt soon. Newest to accept EBT is the Orosi Farmers’ Market within the Orosi Flea Market in Fresno County, and we are busy planning a kick off promotional event and press release to help get them started.
Get Involved With EBT at Farmers’ Markets – 2 Opportunities 1) Be a Manager Mentor for EBT We are compiling a list of Market Managers who are willing to answer questions and to generally support other Market Managers who are going through the process to become authorized to accept EBT cards at their Farmers’ Markets. This list will be distributed to interested Market Managers and will be posted on our website. If your Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and you are willing to help other Market Managers to do the same, please email [email protected] and let us know!
2) CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project Advisory Group needs more members The CA Farmers’ Market EBT Project authorizes Farmers’ Markets to use EBT scrip systems, oversees the Farmers’ Market EBT system in CA, issues the wireless devices, tracks EBT redemption, and assists with EBT promotional efforts at Farmers’ Markets. State staff meets quarterly with an Advisory Group to discuss program needs and updates. The Advisory Group consists mainly of city, county, and public health officials, with a couple of Farmers’ Market managers and non-profit organizations working with Farmers’ Markets and EBT. The Advisory Group needs more members, especially folks working “on the ground,” such as Market Managers and Nonprofit organizations. Meetings are in Sacramento, but anyone can participate through a conference call. This is your chance to give input on how the CA Farmers’ Market EBT system is working for you, and where it needs improvements. To be notified of Advisory Group meetings, contact Tonia Williams at 916-654-1421.
Spring Promotion Ideas: Along with strawberries and sunshine, spring means it’s time for a Springtime EBT Promotion Plan. To keep EBT customers coming, it is important to remind all the EBT cardholders in your area that they can use their cards for the tastiest, healthiest, and freshest affordable food available at their local Farmers’ Market. Here are a few ideas, with much more on our website: On-site Signs • “We Gladly Accept EBT” signs at market entrances and scrip point of sale • “Get ___ Farmers’ Market Dollars/Tokens Here” signs at scrip point of sale • “We accept ___ Farmers’ Market Dollars/Tokens Here” signs at vendor stalls Off-site Posters and Flyers • Posters, listing one Farmers’ Market or all Farmers’ Markets accepting EBT by county or region, to post at social service offices, food stamp offices, WIC offices, senior centers, libraries, etc. Work with other local Farmers’ Markets and join efforts! • Flyers, with or without coupons, distributed at same locations and handed out at nutritional education events, food stamp outreach occasions, health fairs, etc. • “We Gladly Accept EBT” should be on all Market posters, flyers, event announcements, press releases, print ads, free listings, website, etc. Other Ideas and Resources • Get postcards or flyers inserted into the quarterly mailing to food stamp clients from your local Food Stamp Office. Leave posters and flyers at your local Food Stamp Office. • Get Farmers’ Market EBT access on the radio, local TV, the newspaper, and the internet with ads, interviews, press releases, etc. • Check out the Nutrition Network’s Website at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/CPNS// for many more outreach and promotional resources. Also check out Harvest of the Month at www.harvestofthemonth.com.
