Purchasing locally grown foods from a farmers market is a great way to support your local farmers and get fresh foods that are in season.
Farmers Markets/Local Foods
SNAP/EBT at your Farmers Market: Seven Steps to Success (PDF | 9.9 MB)
Project for Public Spaces and Wholesome Wave.
This on-line booklet helps Farmers' Markets successfully reach out to potential SNAP customers through marketing, partnerships and incentive programs. The appendix also includes a section on foods which can and cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits.
Farm to School
National Farm to School Network.
Farm to School provides a network that enables schools (K-12) to locate local farmers so that schools can provide healthy meals, education and improve nutrition in the schools while supporting local farmers.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Farmers Markets: A How-To Handbook (PDF | 1.08 MB)USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.; USDA. Food & Nutrition Service.; Project for Public Spaces, Inc.
The 28 page handbook explains how and why to accept SNAP benefits at Farmers' Markets.
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF2)
United States Department of Agriculture.
USDA's initiative to strengthen local and regional food systems by bringing consumers and farmers together. A primary feature of this site is the KYF2 blog, which discusses supporting local farmers, strengthening rural communities, and promoting healthy eating. Also included are tools and resources to help farmers and communities build and access local food systems.
Eat Smart-Farm Fresh! A Guide to Buying and Serving Locally-Grown Produce in School Meals (PDF | 1.27 MB)
USDA. Food and Nutrition Service.
Pages 12-14 of this handbook include a section on how to find local foods to promote children's health in schools. Highlights include connecting with local agricultural organizations/distributors, institutions, and nutrition education organizations.
Green NutritionUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.
Provides information on "green nutrition" including organic or locally produced foods, sustainable agriculture, farmers markets and gardening.
Varied Interests Drive Growing Popularity of Local FoodsUSDA. Economic Research Service.
Article examines the popularity of local foods and how the term "local food" is defined.
SNAP Benefits at Farmers’ MarketsUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.
Learn how to accept SNAP Benefits at Farmers' Markets.
Farmers Markets and Local Food MarketingUSDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.
Provides resources for Farmers' Markets, including facts and statistics, and information on the USDA Farmers' Market.
Homegrown: South Carolina's Guide to Starting or Enhancing Your Community's Farmers' Market (PDF | 2.1 MB)Eat Smart Move More South Carolina.
This online guide provides information on starting and running a Farmers' Market in 5 steps: the basics, the details, the fun part, key contacts and resources.
